Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Kaleb Johnson

Friday, September 26, 4:23 PM

According to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) is expected to play on Sunday despite carrying a questionable designation. Warren was listed as a limited participant throughout the week due to veteran rest and a knee injury. However, Warren was unable to progress enough to avoid a designation following Friday's final practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff in case he faces a setback, but it appears he is trending in the right direction. Throughout the opening month of the season, Warren has been able to emerge as the top option in the Pittsburgh backfield. Warren has been given 14.3 rushing attempts per game and seen 4.0 targets per game. Given his role as a pass-catcher, Warren carries high-floor RB2 value in PPR formats despite facing a tough Minnesota defense that has allowed the 10th fewest PR points to opposing RBs this season. If he is unable to play, Kenneth Gainwell will likely operate as the primary option with Trey Sermon and Kaleb Johnson slotting behind him.

Saturday, September 27, 9:12 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that he is "pleased" with running back Kaleb Johnson's progress, and he believes the rookie has "positioned himself to be a contributor" this week against the Minnesota Vikings. He acknowledged that Johnson has had to earn his way back into the offense after a costly special teams miscue back in Week 2. The 22-year-old had just two carries through his first two games before being a healthy scratch last weekend. It sounds like he'll play this Sunday, but his exact role remains up in the air. He should continue to be stashed on the bench in redraft leagues with at least 14 teams, as well as all dynasty formats.