The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged from their bye week looking significantly healthier as they prepare for Sunday’s divisional showdown with Cleveland. Jaylen Warren is dealing with an injury concern that sidelined him before the break. For fantasy football managers counting on the dynamic running back, what is the latest on his status?
Jaylen Warren Injury Update
Two weeks ago, Warren was limited at practice throughout the week with a knee issue. Initially, the Steelers attributed his absence to mostly veteran rest. However, it quickly became apparent his knee injury was real.
Throughout the week, optimism grew that the running back would suit up for the team’s Dublin game against the Vikings. Notable sources reported that Warren was expected to play, giving fantasy managers hope that he would be available for lineups on Sunday morning.
However, in a surprise turn, Pittsburgh declared Warren inactive just ninety minutes before kickoff. According to coach Mike Tomlin, Warren was a pregame decision and did participate in warmups, but ultimately did not “feel right.” The team opted for caution, a decision likely influenced by their upcoming bye week, which afforded Warren an extended period to rest and recover.
Historically, the Steelers have been one of the league’s most secretive franchises regarding player injuries. They didn’t elaborate on Warren’s recovery timeline following his surprise inactive designation, leaving fantasy managers to speculate about his status.
However, encouraging news emerged following Pittsburgh’s bye week. The Steelers held a bonus practice on Monday, which is similar to what many teams do coming off their week of rest. Warren was participating at his usual levels during the drills, according to multiple reports from local beat writers.
Given that Warren was initially expected to play in Week 4 but wound up being a last-minute scratch, his injury did not appear to be the type that would cost him significant time. He has now had over a week to recover during the bye, and it will be two full weeks between games by the time Sunday arrives.
The extended rest period should have provided Warren with ample time to fully recover from what appeared to be a relatively minor knee concern. His participation in Monday’s bonus practice suggests he is trending in the right direction for Week 6 availability.
Fantasy managers should fully expect Warren to suit up on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The combination of extended rest, his presence at practice, and the minor nature of the original injury all point toward his return to action.
Warren Fantasy Outlook
While Warren rested during the bye week, the memory of Kenneth Gainwell’s impressive performance in Dublin remains fresh. Gainwell played 77% of offensive snaps, rushed 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns, and hauled in six catches for 35 yards. It provided proof that he can handle a workhorse role if needed.
Such output not only helped the Steelers secure a win overseas but also complicated the rest-of-season picture for Warren. Heading into Week 6, Warren remains the presumed RB1, but it’s hard to imagine the coaching staff didn’t take notice of Gainwell’s production.
Gainwell proved himself capable as both a rusher and receiver, adding flexibility to Pittsburgh’s offense and raising the possibility that his role could expand even when Warren is back healthy. This development has real consequences for fantasy managers.
Warren’s profile might slip from a high RB2 to a low-end RB2, with Gainwell now functioning as a live-wire handcuff and a startable flex option. His performance earned respect in the locker room and coaching room, making him someone the team knows they can rely on moving forward.
Because the Steelers are notoriously tight-lipped about player usage and Warren’s extended absence allowed Gainwell to showcase his abilities, both players will need to be monitored closely by fantasy managers looking to maximize their backfield production throughout the remainder of the season.