Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren finished the regular season with 1,291 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns, but in Monday night's Wild Card finale, he faces a Texans defense that has been among the most punishing all season long. Houston has been the 8th most formidable fantasy defense in terms of limiting opposing running backs, holding lead backs 2.4 points below their season average. With Warren already working as part of a committee with Kenneth Gainwell, neither player boasts a particularly high ceiling, though both are buoyed by their steady work in the passing game. Warren is RotoBaller's RB9 for Wild Card Weekend and will likely need to see a strong target share to make good on that projection.
Jan 12, 2026 2:12 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (illness) returned to a full practice on Friday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Warren was under the weather and did not practice on Thursday. Now that he's back, he should be ready to rock by Monday night when the Steelers take on the Houston Texans in a Wild-Card playoff matchup. The 27-year-old back finished as the RB17 in half-PPR scoring during the regular season with 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries. He added 40 receptions on 45 targets for 333 receiving yards and two more TDs. Warren will be splitting the backfield workload with Kenneth Gainwell, who has become a bigger part of the offense in the second half of the season. Warren should be considered a low-end RB1 during Wild-Card weekend while going up against a Texans defense that allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards to RBs this year.
Jan 9, 2026 5:09 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (illness) did not practice with the team on Thursday due to an illness, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Warren's status is worth monitoring going into Monday night's Wild-Card playoff matchup against the visiting Houston Texans, but the 27-year-old should be good to go by then. However, if he's still feeling under the weather by then and sees a smaller workload, it would benefit backfield mate Kenneth Gainwell, albeit in a very tough matchup against the No. 1 defense in the league. Warren has seen double-digit carries in all but one of his 16 games played this year, but Gainwell has taken on a bigger role in Pittsburgh's backfield late in the season. He ranked as the RB19 with 12.3 half-PPR points per game, while Houston's defense allowed the eighth-fewest half-PPR points per week to the position. Warren sets up as a low-end RB1 in fantasy playoff formats.
Jan 8, 2026 5:13 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had been ceding touches to Kenneth Gainwell in recent weeks, but in Sunday night's division-clinching win over the Ravens, he carried the ball 14 times for 66 yards, while catching all five of his targets for an additional 33 yards through the air. The 19 total opportunities were his most since a Week 7 loss to the Bengals, and his reliability in the passing game could again be on display in a Wild Card matchup with the Texans. Houston's front seven has been one of the league's toughest fronts to run against, but with Warren and Gainwell, the Steelers can essentially move their running game into space with short passes, putting both in line for favorable PPR stat lines. With Warren also first in line to handle the bulk of carries, he makes for a sneaky start in the first week of fantasy playoff leagues.
Jan 5, 2026 2:37 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren saw his second-lowest snap count of the season during last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. Warren rushed the ball 12 times for 64 yards, but he was only on the field for 32 percent of the offensive snaps. Fellow back Kenneth Gainwell saw a season-high 68 percent of the offensive snaps last week. Gainwell has played well for the Steelers during the second half of the season and has earned himself a larger role in this offense. He figures to split up the workload with Warren again during the regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. The loss of playing time is concerning and makes Warren a more volatile RB2 fantasy option for Week 18.
Jan 3, 2026 9:23 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (hip) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and does not carry an injury designation into a Week 17 meeting with the Cleveland Browns. There is a chance, however, that Warren's workload could be limited depending on the outcome of the Baltimore Ravens' contest on Saturday. If the Green Bay Packers defeat the Ravens, Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title regardless of Sunday's result. In that scenario, the Steelers could choose to limit reps or rest starters entirely, so fantasy managers will need to monitor the situation up until game time. Assuming Warren plays his normal role, he should find success against a struggling Browns defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past eight weeks. He would be a borderline must-start and should be viewed as a fantasy RB2 if active.
Dec 26, 2025 8:31 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren exploded in Week 16 with 143 rushing yards (10.21 YPC) and two touchdowns, both of which came in the second half from 45 yards out. Backfield mate Kenneth Gainwell also had a monster game, with 21.30 fantasy points. This Steelers backfield has become an actual running back by committee backfield, with both Gainwell and Warren playing around 50 percent of the snaps; however, not only have they both produced at a high clip, but Warren has scored 10 or more fantasy points now in six of his last eight games, and scored one or more touchdowns in five of those eight. The Steelers have made these running backs the focal point of their offense, and both are seeing enough usage to be valued as an RB2. Week 17 presents a challenge going up against a stiff Cleveland Browns defense, but they have been reeling of late, opening up a window for Warren to have another successful game.
Dec 26, 2025 10:06 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren suffered an as-yet-unspecified injury in the team's Week 16 win over the Lions, and head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that he will be limited to begin the week. Tomlin did note that he is optimistic about Warren's availability for Pittsburgh's Week 17 matchup with the Browns. Warren is coming off a career-high 143 rushing yards and an RB4 finish in Half-PPR formats, but fantasy managers will need to monitor the team's Wednesday injury report for additional information. Assuming a return to health, Warren should be viewed as a high-upside RB2/Flex against a Cleveland defense that he collected 63 total yards against in a Week 6 victory.
Dec 23, 2025 2:39 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was outshined by teammate Kenneth Gainwell last week but will look to get back on track against the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Detroit has been much stronger defensively against the run than the pass this season, but it has softened up a bit as of late. The Lions have surrendered 4.2 yards per carry and over 20 fantasy points per game to running backs over the past four weeks. With this contest projected for a healthy amount of points, fantasy managers should look to start offensive pieces on both sides. Even if Pittsburgh continues to take a hot-hand approach in the backfield, Warren should see enough volume on the ground to provide fantasy value while offering touchdown upside. The 27-year-old checks in as the RB28 in RotoBaller's Week 16 rankings and should be viewed as a high-end flex play.
Dec 20, 2025 12:44 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (illness), who was a late addition to the Week 15 injury report due to an illness, is officially active for the Monday night game against the visiting Miami Dolphins, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Fantasy managers can leave the 27-year-old in their starting lineups, but Warren may be spelled a bit more by backfield mate Kenneth Gainwell against Miami. Warren has been Pittsburgh's primary RB all year and is averaging 12.0 half-PPR fantasy points per game on 652 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 159 rushing attempts. He's added 30 receptions for 277 yards and another two scores as a receiver. Warren has a pretty high ceiling as an RB2, as he's had double-digit touches in all 12 of his games in 2025 while averaging 15.8 touches and 77.4 scrimmage yards.
Dec 15, 2025 7:43 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (illness) has been downgraded to questionable for his team's Monday night home game with the Miami Dolphins due to an illness, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's ill-timed for the 27-year-old, who has an excellent matchup slated for Week 15 in a sieve-like Dolphins' rush defense. If Warren is eventually unable to suit up due to his illness, teammate Kenneth Gainwell projects to handle a majority of the backfield work in his place, considering the two had split snaps fairly evenly over the previous three contests. Gainwell would immediately slot in as a strong RB2 play in Warren's absence, with rookie rusher Kaleb Johnson likely to spell him on occasion as a chance-of-pace option.
Dec 15, 2025 11:41 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren continues to be a strong RB2 option in fantasy football, but his exact role in Monday's Week 15 contest against the Miami Dolphins will depend on game script. Warren had an underwhelming role on the ground last Sunday as he had just eight carries for 13 yards. However, he salvaged his fantasy showing with three catches, 49 receiving yards, and a receiving touchdown. He ranked outside the top 55 running backs in both yards before contact per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. Pittsburgh is favored by 3.5 points over Miami, which means the Steelers could go run-heavy. However, he'll also have to share some volume with Kenneth Gainwell. Pittsburgh routinely gets the ball in its running backs' hands, but it's just a matter of whether it happens on the ground or through the air. Either way, Warren is a top-24 fantasy running back for this week.
Dec 14, 2025 10:06 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has found the end zone in three consecutive contests and will look to keep the streak alive in a Week 15 clash with the Miami Dolphins. Although the Dolphins' run defense was porous early in the season, it has turned things around as of late, holding opposing backs to just 3.8 yards per carry and the fewest fantasy points per game since Week 10. Furthermore, Miami hasn't given up a rushing or receiving touchdown to a running back since Week 8. Warren, while splitting touches with Kenneth Gainwell, is still Pittsburgh's primary ballcarrier and has seen an uptick in targets over the past two weeks. Cold temperatures and potential wind in Pittsburgh on Monday night could also influence the game script in his favor. He remains locked in as a fantasy RB2 despite the tough matchup.
Dec 13, 2025 11:49 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has scored in two consecutive contests and will look to keep that momentum going in a Week 14 road matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have been below average against the run this season, surrendering over 4.4 yards per carry and 11 rushing touchdowns. Baltimore has also struggled to contain pass-catching running backs, allowing the seventh-most targets, ninth-most receptions, and eighth-most receiving yards to the position. Warren hasn't been as consistently utilized through the air as he was early in the season, but he remains fully capable as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist). Even with Kenneth Gainwell emerging as a reliable weapon for Pittsburgh, Warren is still the team's primary runner and preferred option on early downs. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a solid RB2 heading into Sunday.
Dec 5, 2025 9:01 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled 10 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for nine yards on four targets in a Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills. In a game where almost everything went wrong for Pittsburgh, Warren was one of the lone bright spots. He gave the Steelers a 7-0 lead in the second quarter with a goal-line score, marking his fifth total touchdown of the season. In Week 14, he'll face the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, who have been strong against the run over the past eight weeks. Given how poorly Pittsburgh's offense has played lately, it's unlikely Warren delivers any league-winning performances down the stretch, but he's been good enough individually to remain in lineups as a steady RB2.
Dec 2, 2025 8:12 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had a solid game last week and will look to build on that performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. Buffalo has been solid against the pass but extremely vulnerable on the ground, surrendering the third-most rushing yards, the second-most yards per carry, and the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Warren will continue to split work with Kenneth Gainwell, who has emerged as Pittsburgh's preferred receiving back. Still, Warren remains the clear leader on the ground. The 27-year-old has logged double-digit carries in every game he's played this season, while Gainwell has reached 10 carries just twice. Though the Steelers enter this matchup as underdogs, they are projected to keep it competitive at home, suggesting plenty of utilization for Warren throughout. Fantasy managers should treat Warren as a high-end RB2 with upside on Sunday.
Nov 29, 2025 10:54 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren turned 18 carries into 68 yards and a touchdown in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. For the first time this season, he was not targeted in the passing game. Backfield mate Kenneth Gainwell, on the other hand, hauled in all six of his targets and added 92 rushing yards. This marked the second straight week in which Gainwell outproduced Warren for fantasy purposes, though it's important to remember that Warren suffered an ankle injury in Week 11. It will be interesting to see how the two backs are deployed on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, who have struggled to stop the run all season. Being another week removed from the injury should only benefit Warren, so fantasy managers have no reason to panic just yet.
Nov 25, 2025 9:57 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Warren was on the injury report with an ankle injury this week, but managed to avoid an injury designation after practicing in full on Friday. Warren should resume his role as the lead back heading into this Week 12 contest. Kenneth Gainwell has been more involved recently, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried. Warren continues to be productive and should be a fine RB2 for this upcoming Week 12 matchup.
Nov 22, 2025 6:57 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ankle) was a full participant in Friday's practice session and doesn't have an injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup against the Chicago Bears, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Warren made steady progress throughout the week as he began the week with a DNP on Wednesday before being upgraded to limited on Thursday and ultimately clearing the injury report by Friday. The 27-year-old injured his ankle during Pittsburgh's win over the Bengals in Week 11, but said that he could have re-entered the game if the team needed him to. Kenneth Gainwell went off while Warren was sidelined, collecting a season-high seven catches for 81 yards with two touchdowns. Gainwell has been more involved recently, and he could continue to see more work with how productive he's been and with Warren banged up, but Warren is still the Steelers' best back and can be started as an RB2 for Week 12 against the Bears.
Nov 21, 2025 5:09 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday and was "moving around well" after being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Brian Batko of PGSportsNow. Warren might be listed as limited on Thursday's report, but it's a good sign for his availability after he injured his ankle on Sunday in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 27-year-old downplayed his ankle injury after Sunday's contest, but it was noteworthy that he didn't re-enter the game in the fourth quarter, allowing backfield mate Kenneth Gainwell to go for season highs in catches (seven) and receiving yards (81) while scoring twice. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith hinted that Gainwell could see more touches at Warren's expense moving forward, although that will probably be dependent on Warren's health. Warren has been Pittsburgh's clear RB1 this year, but his fantasy ceiling could be lower this weekend against Chicago if he's not 100% past his ankle injury.
Nov 20, 2025 3:25 PM EST
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