Jaylen Warren Cleared to Play, Will Return vs. Falcons

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers expect Jaylen Warren to return. Two days after the running back missed the team’s game against the Indianapolis Colts with a hamstring injury, Warren returned to practice for the first time since suffering the injury against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Warren met with doctors following the game, and he has been cleared to return for action. So, the Steelers should expect him to return against the Atlanta Falcons. After his first practice with the team since the injury, Warren appeared to have good burst and did not suffer any setbacks.

“Now, I feel good,” Warren said. “The doctors cleared me for the week.”

Warren could be in line to start with Najee Harris dealing with an abdominal injury he suffered in Indianapolis. The next man-up mentality carries itself around the Steelers locker room as an edict laid down by Mike Tomlin throughout his coaching tenure. Warren is no exception to that rule with Harris still banged up following the injury.

“It’s frustrating to see any of the teammates down,” Warren said. “But listen, this is all about next man up. That’s all this is really.”

On the sidelines, Warren got to watch Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell find success against a strong Colts defense. As a collective, the Steelers now have the fourth most rushing in the NFL since they came out of their bye week. All of the running backs are having prosperous games week in and week, and that includes Jaylen Warren.

“I got a lot of joy out of that,” Warren said. “We work as a group, as a collective. I love to see all of us produce. We all need to produce when we are called upon. It’s cool to see guys go out there and play well.”

If Harris can not go, it will be Warren, Snell, and likely McFarland as the players who should see playing time against Atlanta. After giving up 180.3 yards per game in the past three games, Warren and company could see plenty of success.