The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 9-3 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night was underwhelming, especially from the offense. It was a performance many fans will try and forget. Thankfully it's just preseason. Adding to the disappointment, running back Jaylen Warren exited the game early with a hamstring injury. Warren had one rush for one yard and two catches for 14 yards before leaving the game.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Buffalo Bills, in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.
Steelers fans were initially optimistic that Warren’s injury wouldn’t be significant and that he’d be ready for Week 1. However, on Sunday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Warren’s availability for the season opener is now in serious doubt.
"Warren will be out multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained Saturday and his status for the season opener is up in the air," Pelissero said.
This news is a significant setback for Pittsburgh, as the running game is expected to be a cornerstone of the Steelers’ offense in 2024. Losing Warren for the Week 1 opener would be far from ideal. The Steelers are set to open the season on the road in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, in what will be a revenge game for their new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, who spent the last three seasons as the Falcons’ head coach.
Smith’s arrival in Pittsburgh brings hope that he can revitalize one of the league’s worst offenses. The Steelers’ 2023 offense was historically bad, prompting significant upgrades to the offensive line and unit as a whole this offseason. Smith has emphasized a return to a physical, run-heavy style of play, making Warren’s health crucial to the team’s success this season.
After a breakout season in 2023, where he rushed 149 times for 784 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns, Warren is poised for an even bigger leap this year. Hopefully the injury heals up quickly and Warren can be at full health for Week
Running back Jaylen Warren pushes off a New Orleans Saints' defender during a Pittsburgh Steelers' game in 2022.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren's Injury Could Open New Opportunity For Several Running Backs
With Warren now expected to miss several weeks, Steelers star running back Najee Harris will likely be asked to take on a heavier workload. If Warren isn't able to play in the season opener than Harris will for sure see a lot of carries. Harris and Warren play off each other nicely. It will be interesting to see how Harris would operate without Warren.
This could also create opportunities for other backs on the roster, such as Cordarrelle Patterson, Daijun Edwards, La'Mical Perine, Aaron Shampklin, and Jonathan Ward. Patterson is the most experienced option, having thrived in Smith's system as a running back. However, he was brought to Pittsburgh primarily as a return man, and at 33 years old, some may question whether his best days as a running back are behind him. With relatively low mileage on his body, Patterson could still handle an increased workload if Warren misses the season opener. He would for sure be an option to give Harris some backup.
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Steelers' Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren talk during a game.
Edwards and Ward have both impressed, while Perine and Shampklin have also shown promise. The Steelers have several depth players vying for roster spots, and Warren’s injury could open the door for one of them to see more opportunity. The hope, of course, is that Warren’s injury isn’t severe or something that lingers throughout the season. Hamstring injuries can be tricky, so the Steelers will likely be cautious with his recovery.
