The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Soldier Field for a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears riding high after a dominant 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. However, the win came with some concern as starting running back Jaylen Warren left the game with an ankle injury and did not return. Will fantasy football managers have their reliable RB2 available this week?
Jaylen Warren Injury Update
During the third quarter of Sunday’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Warren suffered an ankle injury that forced him from the contest. He briefly attempted to return to action before the team ruled him out for the rest of the afternoon. The fact that Warren walked off the field without assistance provided an early positive sign about the injury’s severity.​
Warren downplayed the injury during his postgame media availability, offering insight that suggests optimism about his Week 12 availability. “My ankle got a little tweaked, but I’m good,” Warren told reporters. “I could have (returned), but it was part of being smart. We got a lot of games ahead of us, so they’re looking out for me”.​
His willingness to attempt a return before Pittsburgh’s medical staff intervened serves as an encouraging indicator. Significant ankle damage rarely allows players to even consider continuing, making Warren’s postgame assessment particularly meaningful. The Steelers held a comfortable lead when Warren exited, suggesting the decision to hold him out prioritized caution over necessity.​
Head coach Mike Tomlin provided additional optimism on Tuesday when he said he is optimistic about Warren’s status for this week. Tomlin noted that Warren would be limited early in the week but expressed confidence about his availability for Sunday’s matchup in Chicago.​
Warren did not practice on Wednesday. The running back was not seen with the rest of the backs during the portion of practice open to the media, according to Alan Saunders of Pittsburgh Steelers Now. This is not yet a concern given Tomlin’s optimistic comments and the expectation that Warren would be limited to begin the week.​
However, if Warren cannot return to at least a limited session on Thursday, then it will be more likely than not that he doesn’t play this week. The progression from Wednesday’s absence to Thursday’s participation level will be critical in determining his availability.
Warren’s Fantasy Outlook
Warren has been a consistent fantasy producer throughout the 2025 campaign. The former UDFA has established himself as the lead back in Pittsburgh’s offense despite the presence of Kenneth Gainwell, who signed with the team this offseason.
Through 10 games, Warren has rushed 123 times for 536 yards and two touchdowns while adding 28 receptions for significant value in PPR formats. He’s averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
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Despite Gainwell’s stellar performances in his two games with extended action filling in for Warren, the incumbent remains the lead back. Gainwell exploded for 31.4 fantasy points in Week 4 against Minnesota, rushing 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns while catching all six of his targets for 35 additional yards. He posted 29.5 fantasy points last week against the BEngals.
As long as he can go, Warren will start and handle his usual workload of approximately 14-16 carries and 2-3 targets per game. The matchup this week favors running backs, as the Bears defense is allowing the 15th most fantasy points per game to the position. Chicago has struggled defensively this season despite generating takeaways, ranking 27th in points allowed at 28.2 per game.​
The Steelers and Bears kick off at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, November 23, at Soldier Field. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely, but Warren’s postgame comments suggest he’ll be ready to roll as the lead back in a favorable matchup.​
