As we’ve done in previous years, we’re taking a look at Pittsburgh Steelers who are on Reserve/Future contracts for the 2026 offseason, as well as what we can expect from them during training camp and (hopefully) into the regular season. Today, an outlook on RB Lew Nichols.
Lew Nichols/RB Central Michigan – 5101, 220 pounds
Lew Nichols didn’t let his chance go to waste. Signed by Pittsburgh right at the start of training camp last year, he effectively replaced Cordarelle Patterson’s spot, the failed returner/runner experiment that didn’t see a second year.
Nichols had just been released by the Philadelphia Eagles a week earlier, driving out to the West side of the state to join the Steelers. All in the hope of capturing the buzz he created in college. In 2021 at Central Michigan, Nichols led not just his team, not just the MAC, but the entire FBS level with 1,848 yards. That came with 16 rushing scores, a mark that didn’t lead the NCAA but took the top spot in his conference.
Since then, it’s been a struggle. A down following and final collegiate season, rushing for barely more than 600 yards and 3.5 yards per carry in 2022. A 4.61 Pro Day 40 time hurt his draft stock all the more. The Green Bay Packers selected him with one of the final picks of the 2023 draft, 235th overall, but he failed to make an impact. A late summer injury landed him on injured reserve, and he was released in early September.
Nichols latched on with Philadelphia for the rest of 2023 and the 2024 offseason. In camp again, he was cut during final cutdowns. The Eagles carried him for 2025’s spring and part of the summer but cut him ahead of reporting last year.
Signed by Pittsburgh as depth, Nichols made his mark. On just 11 exhibition carries, Nichols tore the field up for 87 yards and five first downs. His longest scoot went for 37 yards, and he consistently showed power to break tackles and finish runs.
A path to the 53-man roster simply didn’t exist, but the Steelers quickly signed Nichols to the practice squad. He made his Pittsburgh – and NFL – debut in Week Nine against the Indianapolis Colts. Nichols didn’t see the field offensively but picked up six special teams snaps, recording an assisted tackle on a kickoff to open up the second half.
It was the only game Nichols would appear in all season, but a big box to check. His 2026 goal is to replicate and add to that number. With Rice Dowdle in the mix, Nichols appears blocked. But if the new coaching staff sours on Kaleb Johnson, Nichols could have a path. Nichols arguably has more special-teams value than Johnson, covering kicks and returning them, while Johnson is a pure offensive player.
Recommended for you