Is Jaylen Warren Playing Week 4? Should Fantasy Managers Worry About the Steelers RB’s Injury?

What's the latest on Jaylen Warren's injury status, and is it possible he'll miss Week 4? Should fantasy managers be preparing for a replacement?

The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 4 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Warren did not practice fully the entire week due to an injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?

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Is Jaylen Warren Playing Week 4?

Update 09/28: Jaylen Warren is officially inactive for the Steelers’ game against the Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.


Warren was initially listed on Wednesday’s practice report as limited with a combination of rest and a knee injury. The rest designation always takes precedence — if he were legitimately injured, there would be no need to include the rest component in his listing.

However, Warren remained limited throughout the week with the knee issue becoming the primary concern.

While Warren’s consistently limited status throughout the week is not the most encouraging development for fantasy managers, he did practice all three days before drawing a questionable designation on the final injury report. His ability to participate in every practice session suggests the knee issue, while present, is manageable.

Week 4 Fantasy Football Injury Tracker: Updates Include Brock Purdy, Chris Godwin, and Terry McLaurin

The expectation remains that Warren will suit up for Sunday morning’s game in Dublin despite the questionable tag. His consistent practice participation and the team’s approach to managing his workload suggest they are being cautious rather than dealing with a serious injury.

Fortunately for fantasy managers, this game kicks off early due to its international location in Dublin. Fantasy managers will know Warren’s status well before the 1:00 p.m. main slate begins, giving them ample time to make adjustments if Warren does not take the field.

Warren’s Fantasy Football Outlook

How limited are the Steelers on the offensive side of the ball? Jaylen Warren is earning more work despite not succeeding at all. The fourth-year back averages 3.1 yards per carry (he has one 10-plus yard carry, and 26 of his 43 attempts have gained three or fewer yards), but he’s seen his carry and touch count increase with each passing week.

We are beginning to see why the Steelers had Warren as a specialty option next to Najee Harris for years. I think they’d love to do something similar this year, but the roster doesn’t line up that way.

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Warren has cleared eight PPR points as a pass catcher in all three weeks, and that’s why he’s a strong flex for me this week despite my efficiency concerns. With a heavy blitz defense coming to town that QB Aaron Rodgers has faced in the past, this feels like a game that looks a lot like last week in New England (five catches on six targets for 34 yards).

I don’t think it’ll be pretty, but could a screen pass pick up big yards? Maybe a red zone blitz gets Warren in space and results in his second touchdown of the season. The path to a top-12 week isn’t clear as a part of this offense, but I’ll embrace a reasonable floor to play Warren wherever I have him in PPR leagues.

— Kyle Soppe, PFSN Fantasy Analyst

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