What’s the Latest on the Steelers RB, and Will He Play in Week 4

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After waiting his turn as a backup, Jaylen Warren, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back, earned the starting spot. With running backs, bumps and bruises become a regular part of life. Will a recent injury sideline him, compromising the team’s rushing attack?

The Steelers, as they fight for AFC North supremacy, need to be as healthy as possible on offense. For years, the defense carried the team, clinching playoff spots behind offenses that struggled to score and sustain longer drives when it mattered most. Entering Sunday’s game, the 2-1 Steelers face the Minnesota Vikings for the first NFL game ever in Ireland. Will their offense be intact?

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Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren, Listed As Questionable

With the signing of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh’s offense seems a little sprier and livelier. Currently ranking 13th in the NFL in scoring offense with 24 points per game, a certain dynamism exists, bringing the team a balanced attack. Warren, in his fourth season, is a bright spot. However, with an injury, will he play against the Vikings? Chat Sports writer Chad Perry discusses Pittsburgh’s released game status report.

“The good news is DeShon Elliott does not have a game designation & is a full go to play vs. the Vikings on Sunday. The bad news is both Jaylen Warren & Jonnu Smith, along with Joey Porter Jr., are listed as questionable. If I had to guess, I think he plays, but if PIT is without Warren on Sunday, that would be a HUGE loss for this offense & would likely open up an opportunity for rookie Kaleb Johnson to get an increased workload.”

Warren leads the team with 132 yards rushing. While the 3.1 yards per carry does not open eyes, the 26-year-old’s ability to catch the ball out of the backfield keeps defenses honest. Warren’s 91.7% catch rate is only surpassed by his ability to make the first would-be tackler miss and get to the sticks, as evidenced by five of his 11 catches ending up in first downs.

While questionable isn’t doubtful, you’d need to question the number of snaps he will see. If Pittsburgh is close to winning, they need a back that can convert third-and-short situations.

The quote mentioned Johnson, a rookie from Iowa. While Warren shares a similar running style, the two are not the same from a physical standpoint. Warren stands five feet eight and weighs 215 pounds. As a result, he relies on the type of contracted power that allows him to bounce off would-be tacklers, giving them a smaller strike zone to hit him. With neutral leverage on his side, Warren succeeds in being the low man.

In contrast, Johnson, listed at six-foot-one and 224 pounds, has an angular power that sees him discard defenders with stiffer and longer strides than Warren. One potential plus to Johnson seeing more carries is that Pittsburgh has a bye week following the game, giving Warren additional time to rest and rehabilitate.

If Warren cannot play or the coaching staff adheres him to a snap count, can Johnson step into the starting spot and provide similar versatility?

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