Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Jerome Ford

Friday, July 25, 8:20 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was going through first-team reps during the beginning of Thursday's practice. It would make sense that Warren would get the first chance at the starting job in Pittsburgh. He has earned that opportunity after putting in solid work as the backup over the last few seasons. Most notably, Warren rushed for 784 yards with four touchdowns while earning a 5.26 yards per carry during the 2023 season. The departure of Najee Harris will give Warren a chance to earn full-time reps this upcoming season. However, third-round pick Kaleb Johnson figures to be breathing down his neck. The Iowa product should immediately be in the mix in what many believe will be a co-starter role. It's hard to imagine either back running away with the job, so a co-starter type of situation seems likely.

Saturday, July 26, 1:30 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson reports that Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (undisclosed) remains sidelined at training camp on Saturday. The Browns are giving the players a day off on Sunday before practicing in pads for the first time on Monday. Ford is reportedly dealing with a minor undisclosed injury, but it remains to be seen if he'll return to the field on Monday. All indications are that the 25-year-old will be back soon. Ford's status is even more important because rookie second-rounder Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned as he deals with domestic-violence charges that could lead to a suspension to begin his NFL career. With Judkins' status up in the air, Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson both are more intriguing for fantasy purposes, although Judkins could still end up being Cleveland's lead back by the end of 2025.