Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Bucky Irving

Tuesday, November 18, 1:17 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that running back Jaylen Warren (ankle) will be limited in the early portions of practice this week, but is "optimistic" about his chances to suit up in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Warren left early from the Steelers' 34-12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but he said after the game that he could have returned. The 27-year-old was off to a good start in the game with a 35-yard chunk gain on the opening drive, and ended with 10 carries for 62 yards while adding two receptions (two targets) for five yards. Kenneth Gainwell was heavily involved even before Warren's injury, and he finished with a big day in the blowout victory, totaling nine carries for 24 yards to go with seven receptions (eight targets) for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Warren's status will be monitored throughout the week, and if he is unable to play, Gainwell would be a must-start in Week 12 against the Bears.

Monday, November 17, 12:52 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will be worked in more this week during practice and then be re-evaluated at the end of the week, according to the Pewter Report. Irving has not played since Week 4, but the 23-year-old returned to limited practices last week and continues to make progress towards a potential return. Irving is dealing with a shoulder subluxation and a sprained foot, with his shoulder being the bigger issue. Whether he's able to return in a Week 12 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams this Sunday will depend on his practice status and how he bounces back. Irving should operate as Tampa's lead back when he's back to full health, but he could be eased into the Bucs' backfield alongside Rachaad White and Sean Tucker when he's active again.