The Pittsburgh Steelers' run game is noticeably better when Najee Harris has his partner, Jaylen Warren, available. The two make a great duo, and it's hard for opposing defenses to slow down both, as they bring different speed, vision, and toughness to the game. Together, they have the ability to wear out defenses and dominate the line of scrimmage with their relentless running style. Warren's explosive bursts and Harris' physicality complement each other perfectly, creating a balanced attack that has been a cornerstone of the Steelers' offense.
Warren has battled to stay healthy throughout the 2024 season, and his availability remains a concern. On Thursday, it was revealed that Warren missed practice due to a back injury, raising immediate questions about his status for the Steelers' pivotal Week 11 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. By Friday, his absence from practice for the second consecutive day intensified those concerns, as Steeler Nation began to fear losing a key piece of their rushing attack against a tough divisional rival. A recent report stated that Warren did practice on Friday in a limited capacity.
According to Tom Pelissero, Warren is listed as questionable against the Ravens. If Warren is unable to play, the Steelers may face challenges maintaining their balanced offensive approach. Harris would likely shoulder a heavier workload, but the offense could lose some of the versatility and unpredictability that Warren provides. The Steelers' ability to dominate the Ravens' formidable defense could hinge on Warren's availability, making his status a key storyline heading into Sunday.
Another concern for the Steelers is Harris, who gave fans a scare during Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. Harris went down with an ankle injury, and the initial sight of it didn’t look encouraging. However, he was a full participant in practice on both Thursday and Friday, indicating he’s likely to be ready for Sunday. The ever-reliable Harris has yet to miss a game in his NFL career, and that impressive streak doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy this week.
Debate continues among fans and analysts about which running back is more valuable, Harris or Warren. The truth is, the two complement each other perfectly, feeding off one another to maximize the Steelers’ rushing attack. When Warren is unavailable, the burden on Harris increases significantly, forcing the offense to rely more heavily on his ability to carry the load.
If Harris were to miss the Ravens game, it would undoubtedly be a significant blow for Pittsburgh. However, the Steelers have shown resilience in the face of adversity and could adapt to the challenge. Still, with both Harris and Warren healthy, the team’s run game is far more dynamic and difficult for opposing defenses to contain.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren May Miss Game Sunday Against Baltimore
Cordarrelle Patterson will likely step in to handle more carries at running back if needed. Despite his recent return from injury, Patterson has proven he can still be an effective weapon out of the backfield. However, the absence of Warren would be far from ideal for the Steelers’ offense.
Fans remain hopeful that Warren’s back improves in time for Sunday, but the Steelers will likely exercise caution. With such a physically demanding matchup against the Ravens, the team won’t want to risk aggravating Warren’s condition by rushing him back prematurely.
Warren is known for his toughness and willingness to play through injuries, but the Steelers’ organization has occasionally had to step in to protect him from himself. While his determination is admirable, ensuring he’s fully healthy will be critical for the team’s long-term success this season.
