The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with uncertainty in their backfield following a surprising inactive designation last Sunday against the Vikings. Jaylen Warren is dealing with a knee injury that kept him out of the overseas matchup. For fantasy football managers counting on the dynamic running back, what is the latest on his status?
Jaylen Warren Injury Update
Last week, Warren was limited at practice as the Steelers initially attributed his absence to veteran rest before formally listing him with a knee injury by Thursday. Throughout the week, optimism grew that the running back would suit up for the team’s Dublin game against the Vikings. Notable sources reported that Warren was expected to play, giving fantasy managers hope that he would be available for lineups on Sunday morning.
However, in a surprise turn, Pittsburgh declared Warren inactive just ninety minutes before kickoff. According to coach Mike Tomlin, Warren was a pre-game decision and did participate in warmups, but ultimately did not “feel right.” The team opted for caution. The decision to hold Warren out was likely influenced by their upcoming bye week, which granted Warren an extended period to rest and recover before Week 6.
Historically, the Steelers have been one of the league’s most secretive franchises regarding player injuries. They didn’t elaborate on Warren’s recovery timeline, and it’s unlikely that any updates will come before the team returns to practice next Monday.
This sequence of events leaves Warren’s immediate outlook very much in limbo. Without concrete information from the Steelers, fantasy managers will need to monitor reports throughout the coming week. The hope, both for Pittsburgh and Warren’s fantasy stock, is that the bye week will allow him to recover fully and return as the feature back when the team is back in action.
Warren Fantasy Outlook
While Warren rested, Kenneth Gainwell took over the backfield with an eye-opening performance. Gainwell played 77% of offensive snaps, rushed 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns, and hauled in six catches for 35 yards. It provided proof that he can be a true workhorse if needed. Such output not only helped the Steelers secure a win overseas but also complicated the rest-of-season picture for Warren.
Heading into the bye, Warren remains the presumed RB1, but it’s hard to imagine the coaching staff didn’t take notice of Gainwell’s production. Gainwell proved himself capable as both a rusher and receiver, adding flexibility to Pittsburgh’s offense and raising the possibility that his role will expand, even when Warren is back healthy.
This development has real consequences for fantasy football managers. Warren’s profile might slip from a high RB2 to a low-end RB2, with Gainwell now a live-wire handcuff and a startable Flex option, especially valuable during bye weeks or as injury insurance. Pittsburgh’s remaining running backs are unlikely to see significant snaps unless another injury arises, keeping the duo as the offensive focal point.
Because the Steelers are notoriously tight-lipped and Warren’s status will likely remain undisclosed until next week’s practice, both players will need to be monitored closely by fantasy managers looking to maximize their backfield production in Week 6 and beyond.