Steelers RB plans to play Week 1 vs Falcons

Initial reports stated that Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren would be out in a few weeks, and it appears that’s the timeline.

Warren told Steelers reporters on Monday that he will play in the Sept. 8 regular season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.

As far as injuries go, it’s been an ideal scenario for Warren, who sustained a hamstring injury in game two of the preseason. He’s been able to rest and rehab to prepare to share the load with Najee Harris.

Cordarrelle Patterson, who did score a 31-yard touchdown on the Steelers opening drive last week, isn’t really the guy you want backing up Harris.

Warren has been a bright spot since the Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022. Pittsburgh doubled his workload last season, and Warren responded with 1,154 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns.

Both Harris and Warren are in the final year of their rookie contracts. The Steelers declined Harris’ fifth-year option in March, forcing him to prove he’s worth a big contract in 2025. Warren will be a restricted free agent.