Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) has been upgraded from his questionable status and will have no injury designation for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders, team spokesman Burt Lauten announced on Saturday morning.
Getting Warren back is a big boost for the offense, as starting running back Najee Harris has struggled the last two weeks, rushing for a combined 61 yards on 27 carries (2.2 average).
Warren has not played since Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Chargers when he went down with a grade 1 PCL sprain. Head coach Mike Tomlin characterized Warren as doubtful at the beginning of the week. By Friday, however, Warren was a full participant.
“He was a full participant today. Good trajectory, on the upswing,” Tomlin said after Friday’s practice.
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.
The Steelers have a favorable matchup against the Raiders run defense, 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. In addition to Warren, the Steelers were without running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) against Dallas. Patterson will be out on Sunday for the second consecutive week.
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. Warren could ignite the Steelers’ rushing attack against Vegas.
