The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding a big win into a tough Week 12 road game, but an injury to a key player could complicate things. As the 6-4 Steelers prepare to face the 7-3 Chicago Bears, the biggest question is the health of their star running back, Jaylen Warren. His availability for the upcoming contest remains a major storyline.
Will Jaylen Warren Play Against the Chicago Bears?
Warren suffered an ankle injury during last Sunday’s impressive 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He was having a great game before he left in the second half, rushing for 62 yards on just 10 carries. Following the injury, the team played it safe and turned to backup running back Kenneth Gainwell to finish the game.
After the win, Warren clarified that the decision to keep him on the sideline was precautionary. He indicated that he could have gone back in, but the coaching staff opted for a cautious approach, with important games still ahead.
“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,” Warren said.
That cautious approach appears to have paid off. According to a report from Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin provided a positive update on Warren’s status for the game against the Bears.
While Warren’s participation will be limited early in the week’s practices, Tomlin is optimistic he will be ready for Sunday. “Mike Tomlin says Jaylen Warren’s ankle injury will limit him in early portions of practice this week, but he’s ‘optimistic’ about his availability for Sunday,” Pryor wrote on X.
Warren has been a crucial piece of the Steelers’ offense this season, and his importance is highlighted by his number 13 ranking on PFSN’s RB Impact list. Having him on the field against a strong Bears team would be a significant boost for Pittsburgh and a welcome sight for the team’s fans.
The matchup itself is set for Sunday, Nov. 23, when the Bears host the Steelers at Soldier Field. The game will be broadcast live on CBC and Paramount+ at noon. Both teams enter the game with momentum. Chicago, in particular, will be full of confidence after winning its last three games.
However, the Steelers have concerns beyond Warren’s ankle. While Pittsburgh put up substantial numbers in its Week 11 win, the victory was not without its issues. Warren wasn’t the only player to get hurt. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers sustained a wrist injury on Sunday, and while the team is hopeful about Warren’s return, there is currently no clarity on the quarterback’s status.