Warren: Steelers ST coach discussed Justin Fields returning kicks
Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith discussed the possibility of quarterback Justin Fields returning kicks for the team.
In an appearance on "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward," running back Jaylen Warren addressed the idea after he was asked if the NFL's new kickoff rules would make him want to return kicks this season.
"I would, I think it's pretty cool - as soon as you touch the ball that's when everything starts to happen," Warren said. "Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there.
"We looked at him like, Justin Fields will be back there? I think it's cool."
#Steelers RB Jaylen Warren says their special teams coordinator discussed the possibility of having Justin Fields return kicks under the new kickoff rules.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 2, 2024
(via @NotJustFootball)pic.twitter.com/N4WGMwETxV
The league recently approved a drastic new kickoff format for 2024. The new format - inspired by the XFL - allows teams to have up to two returners in the landing zone, while the remaining players on the receiving team are in the setup zone. Players in the setup zone and the kick coverage unit can't move until the kicked ball hits the ground or a returner fields it in the landing zone.
The Steelers signed Cordarrelle Patterson - one of the greatest kick returners in NFL history - on the same day the NFL adopted its new rules.
Pittsburgh also added Fields this year, acquiring the former first-round pick in a trade with the Chicago Bears. Fields lacked consistency as a passer in Chicago but did stand out as a rusher.
One of only three QBs to have a 1,000-yard rushing season, the former Ohio State star owns the single-game regular-season record for quarterback yards on the ground (178). He also led the NFL with 89 runs of at least 15 mph in 2022, according to Next Gen Stats. The 25-year-old has scored three rushing TDs of 50-plus yards throughout his career.
Fields is expected to back up veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, whom the Steelers signed to a one-year deal in March.
"With their leadership, they bring a lot," Warren said about having Wilson and Fields on the team this year.
An undrafted rookie in 2022, Warren set career highs with 784 yards (5.3 per carry) and four touchdowns on the ground in 2023 while catching 61 passes for 370 yards. He also had a kickoff return for 21 yards.