Jaylen Warren returned to full practice on Wednesday and says he “feels great” after missing Week 4 in Dublin with a right knee issue. Head coach Mike Tomlin said early‑week signs are “pointed up” for Warren’s status as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
Jaylen Warren Injury Update: Latest on Steelers RB’s Status 
Warren confirmed his knee injury occurred the previous week against the New England Patriots and that the decision to sit him out versus the Minnesota Vikings was precautionary, with a bye week immediately following. “They were just being preventative. We had a bye following,” he said, adding that he “feels great” upon returning.
The team’s Wednesday practice report listed Warren as a full participant. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who missed three games with a hamstring injury, also practiced fully, while linebacker Alex Highsmith was limited with an ankle.
Warren also fully practiced on Thursday, and he was no longer on the injury report on Friday, and will play this week.
Tomlin opened his weekly press conference, noting Warren and Porter Jr. worked in Monday’s bonus practice and that the staff will “follow them throughout the week” to ensure their progress continues. The bye allowed several contributors to push through rehab; the club is taking day-to-day steps before setting final game statuses.
With Warren down in Week 4, Pittsburgh leaned on Kenneth Gainwell and heavier personnel to produce one of its best rushing performances of the season. Gainwell finished with 19 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns and caught six passes for 35 yards in a 24-21 win over Minnesota.
Tomlin attributed to a versatile skill set the staff believed could be expanded when needed. As Warren returns, that workload flexibility gives Pittsburgh multiple options in the backfield.
Coaches will monitor Warren’s Friday ramp acceleration, change of direction, and post‑practice response before setting a final designation and any snap count guidance. With Porter Jr. back full and Highsmith trending, the broader availability picture continues to improve coming out of the bye, reinforcing Tomlin’s “pointed up” assessment.
Will Jaylen Warren Play in Week 6? 
Indicators from the building suggest that Warren will suit up against Cleveland. He practiced in full on Wednesday and Thursday. Moreover, Tomlin said his status is trending upward, and Warren stated he is good to go.
Barring a setback, the Steelers expect their backfield to be at full strength, with Warren and Gainwell available against a Browns defense that has been strong versus the run in the early season.
Warren’s return narrows Pittsburgh’s margin on key downs — early‑down efficiency to avoid third‑and‑long, protection integrity against Cleveland’s front, and finishing in the red zone where short fields decide tight AFC North games.