PITTSBURGH – When the Steelers inked running back Nate Carter to an extension last season, it wasn’t just a show of faith, but it was a declaration of intent. DK LaFleur’s offense was built on balance, physicality, and versatility, and Carter was supposed to be the anchor in all three phases. Two games into the new campaign, the numbers aren’t bad, but they aren’t yet reflective of the expectations placed on one of Pittsburgh’s most dynamic offensive weapons.
Through two weeks, Carter has totaled 101 rushing yards on 22 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. On paper, that’s a respectable figure, slightly above the league’s historical average of 4.4 yards per attempt. But the Steelers didn’t re-sign Nate Carter to be “slightly above average.” They signed him to be special.
So far, by his own standards, and by the team’s, he hasn’t hit his stride just yet.
Solid, Not Spectacular
Statistically, Carter’s season isn’t concerning. He’s efficient with his touches, decisive in his cuts, and continues to show flashes of the dual-threat ability that made him one of the most underrated backs in the league last season. In addition to his ground production, he’s already logged 80 receiving yards, giving him a total of 181 yards from scrimmage across two games, which is an average of 90.5 yards per contest.
Those are solid numbers for most running backs. But Carter isn’t “most running backs.”
The Steelers offense runs best when he’s the spark. His ability to set the tone early, to punish linebackers at the second level, and to keep the chains moving is what opens the door for Desmond Ridder’s play-action game and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s explosiveness. When Carter is rolling, Pittsburgh’s offense hums like few others in the league.
So far, however, it’s been more of a low murmur than a roar.
Context Matters
Carter’s slow start hasn’t been for lack of effort or opportunity. Through the first two games, the Steelers have faced two defensive fronts that can serve to be difficult in Cleveland and New Orleans. Both teams made stopping the run a priority, stacking the box and daring Ridder to win through the air.
To his credit, Ridder did just that in Week 2, throwing for 381 yards and 4 touchdowns. But that same aerial success came at the cost of volume for Carter, who logged only 13 carries in that game. The Steelers’ offensive balance leaned heavily toward passing, and LaFleur’s game plan reflected that.
“We knew what the looks were going to be,” LaFleur said after the win over the Saints. “They sold out to stop the run early, and Desmond took advantage of the coverage. That’s good football. But make no mistake, Nate’s going to get going. He’s too talented not to.”
Even Carter himself hasn’t shown frustration. The second-year back understands the bigger picture. The season is long, and opportunities will come. “I’m not worried about the numbers,” he said this week. “It’s about staying ready and doing my job. If the defense gives us the box, I’ll take it. If not, we’ve got playmakers everywhere. My time will come.”
Doing the Little Things
One thing that hasn’t slowed is Carter’s effort. He’s been exceptional in pass protection, picking up blitzes and giving Ridder the clean pockets that have fueled Pittsburgh’s improved passing efficiency. He’s also been a reliable outlet in the short passing game, averaging four catches per contest and converting several key third downs with his quick acceleration after the catch.
Those contributions don’t always show up in the headlines, but they haven’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
“He’s doing all the right things,” head coach DK LaFleur said. “He’s blocking his tail off, he’s catching everything thrown his way, and he’s staying patient. You want to see the stat line pop, of course, but what he’s doing right now is helping us win.”
Carter’s ability to contribute even when he’s not carrying the offense is what makes him so valuable. However, the Steelers know that when he is carrying the offense, they reach a different level.
A Breakout on the Horizon
For all the talk about Carter’s “slow start,” there’s an underlying truth. He’s dangerously close to breaking out. His vision looks sharp, his legs look fresh, and his 4.6 yards per carry suggests he’s making the most of every opportunity he gets. The difference between a solid outing and a game-breaking performance often comes down to one or two plays. Maybe the cutback that springs free, the screen that catches a defense over-pursuing, the drive where rhythm meets relentlessness.
LaFleur believes it’s only a matter of time. “You can feel it coming,” he said. “He’s hitting his landmarks, he’s finishing runs, and he’s getting stronger as the game goes on. It’s like watching a storm build. Once he finds his lane, he’s going to make people remember why he’s special.”
The Steelers face a physical Jacksonville front this week, but one that’s struggled early in run containment. It might just be the perfect opportunity for Carter to find his groove. Expect LaFleur to reestablish balance early, testing the Jaguars’ interior and letting Carter dictate tempo.
If that happens, the quiet consistency that’s marked his first two games could explode into something much louder.
The Standard Remains
In Pittsburgh, there’s an unspoken expectation about running backs, which is a legacy built on names like Jerome Bettis and Le’Veon Bell. The bar is high, and Nate Carter knows it. What separates him from so many others is his mindset. He doesn’t chase numbers, but he chases impact.
Still, both he and the organization know the ceiling is higher. This is supposed to be his breakout year, and the season where efficiency meets explosion, where patience turns to payoff.
Through two weeks, the production has been steady, the effort undeniable, and the belief unwavering. The Steelers don’t see a back struggling. They see one simmering, ready to ignite.
“Nate’s a tone-setter,” LaFleur said. “Once he gets rolling, everything else falls in place. And trust me, it’s coming.”
– Forged In Steel Times
