The Pittsburgh Steelers were without running back Jaylen Warren during their first practice of the week as he was listed on the team’s official injury report with an illness.
Warren, a fourth-year running back out of Oklahoma State, was the only Steeler who didn’t practice. Cam Heyward was a limited participant on a veteran rest day.
The Steelers host the Houston Texans on Jan. 12 in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, so one could expect a player of Warren’s stature to take the field. His presence at the Steelers’ practice facility is a positive note, as well.
However, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported that Warren was wearing a mask and gloves inside the Steelers locker room.
Jaylen Warren was ill today and DNP. He was wearing a mask and gloves in the locker room.
Cam got a rest day.
Everyone else full go.
Jaylen Warren Plays a Key Offensive Role
GettyPittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren also dealt with an illness in December.
Warren was in position to take over a major offensive role this offseason when the team parted ways with running back Najee Harris, and deservedly so.
The small, yet tough running back ran for 1,674 yards and six touchdowns on 346 attempts while adding 894 yards through the air during his first three seasons. The team added running back Kenneth Gainwell in the offseason, however, and the two have carved out roles for themselves.
In 16 games, Warren has set career highs in rushing attempts (211), yards (958), and touchdowns (6). He also set a new career high in rushing yards per game (59.9). Gainwell, the Steelers’ Team MVP, rushed for 537 yards and five touchdowns on 114 attempts during the regular season, which are all career highs or tied a career-high mark. On top of that, Gainwell has caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns.
Unlike Harris, Gainwell and Warren share a similar skillset. Both running backs can catch passes out of the backfield and provide pass protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin have used Warren and Gainwell in similar situations and have noted their contributions this season.
“His contributions have been immense, to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said of Warren during his weekly press conference. “He’s highly competitive and tough. He’s really consistent. As I mentioned, he’s good in the backfield, out of the backfield, in the passing game. I don’t think it’s a knock against him that Kenny won MVP. I think it was the totality of Kenny’s contributions. Kenny is a significant contributor to special teams. He’s returned kicks all year, been on kickoff team, and other components of the units. So, it’s more of a tip of the cap to Kenny rather than a slight to Jaylen.”
Illnesses Have Plagued the Pittsburgh Steelers
Warren isn’t the first Steeler to be sidelined during a practice due to illness this season. Cornerback James Pierre had an “illness” while nursing a calf injury ahead of the Steelers’ season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.
Defensive back Jalen Ramsey recorded two DNPs ahead of Pittsburgh’s Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns but ended up playing. Wide receiver Ben Skowronek and safety Jabrill Peppers popped up on practice reports in December with illnesses. Lastly, linebacker Cole Holcomb missed games earlier this year with an illness.
Holcomb is the only Steeler so far to miss a game due to illness, but Warren’s status is notable ahead of a playoff game.
Steelers Release Notable Update on Key Contributor