PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was a full participant at practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic that Warren will be be good to go.
“He was a full participant today. Good trajectory, on the upswing,” Tomlin said. “Feeling optimistic about his inclusion. He’s listed as questionable.”
Warren has not played since Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Chargers when he went down with a grade 1 PCL sprain.
Warren said he had pretty much a full workload on Friday and is trying to make it tough on the coaching staff to keep him out this week. He also notably refused to come out of the game when he was first injured.
“Feeling great. Whatever they decide, I’m good with that plan,” Warren said.
Starting running back Najee Harris has struggled the last two weeks, rushing for a combined 61 yards on 27 carries (2.2 average). This could be a get-right game for Harris, as Las Vegas allows an average of 131.8 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys ranked 26th in run defense heading into last Sunday night’s game, however, so it’s far from a guarantee. Harris appears to not be a good fit in Arthur Smith’s zone scheme.
That’s why getting Warren back could be a big boost for the offense. Warren’s style matches what Smith wants to do on offense.
Warren ran for 5.3 yards per carry, one of the best figures in the league in 2023. He ran 149 times for 784 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 61 passes for 370 yards. Warren has been hampered with two separate injuries this season, but he’s without a doubt one of their top playmakers. If deemed healthy, he could ignite a struggling rushing attack.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.