Jaylen Warren is low-key becoming one of the best running backs in the NFL, and while the league might not be screaming about it nationally, everyone in Pittsburgh knows what’s up. This dude has been the Steelers’ most impressive offensive weapon for the last three weeks straight, racking up a ridiculous 490 scrimmage yards. He’s absolutely crushed the opportunity he got with Rico Dowdle out with a toe injury, and honestly, we can’t get enough of it.
McCarthy Calls It: Warren Is THE Guy
Look, Rico Dowdle is progressing well, and he’s expected back this week. So, what’s that mean for Warren’s workload? Head Coach Mike McCarthy tackled that question head-on during his Monday press conference. He doesn’t even see Warren and Dowdle as some “one-two punch,” nope. McCarthy laid it out plain as day, confirming what we’ve all been seeing on the field. “Jaylen’s our featured player right now,” McCarthy said. “Let’s make sure we all recognize that. He’s hot, he’s playing great football for us.” You love to hear it, right? It’s not just us fans hyped, the coach is too, and he’s making sure everyone knows who runs the show right now.
That’s not just talk either. Last Sunday against Indianapolis, Warren took a quick pass and just absolutely GONE. Eighty yards to the end zone, untouched past the 50-yard line. It was pure poetry. He shredded the Colts defense for 101 rushing yards in that 34-22 victory, and he scored Pittsburgh’s first touchdown on the ground with a fifty-yard scamper halfway through the third quarter. This guy is straight up balling out, and if he keeps this up, he’s on pace for over 2,100 scrimmage yards this season! McCarthy was clear: “It’s important for us as an offense, coaches and players alike, to continue to put him in position to make plays. That won’t change.” Warren had a season-high 21 touches against the Colts after getting 20 in each of the previous two weeks. Dowdle is close, looking good Friday and Saturday, but it sounds like Warren’s role isn’t shrinking anytime soon.
What’s Next for the Backfield?
So, with Dowdle coming back, how do they split carries? McCarthy isn’t putting a strict number on it, and honestly, that’s probably smart. “I’m not going to pick at numbers; it depends on the game. Who you’re playing and what’s going on in the game,” he explained. “At the end of the day, we want to win the game, so let’s just start there. Whatever it takes to win the game, that will be our approach this week.” That’s the kind of focus we need. Warren’s already put up 410 rushing yards and 230 receiving yards through the first five games, playing at least 87% of snaps over the last three weeks with Dowdle out.
This team is finding its rhythm, even with guys like Roman Wilson set to miss multiple weeks with injury, and Ben Skowronek also out for the Buccaneers game. The offense has found its formula, and Jaylen Warren is a HUGE part of it. Next up, they’ve got the Buccaneers. We need to keep this momentum rolling and see what kind of magic Warren can pull out this week. Let’s go!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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