Jaylen Warren returns to Steelers practice, expects to play vs. Falcons

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is dealing with a hamstring injury but will be ready to go when the team kicks off the season on Sunday. On Monday, Warren told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor that he did individual and special teams work in practice and expects to work with the team on Wednesday. The former Oklahoma State star said he’ll be good to go when the Steelers take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Warren suffered the hamstring injury when the Steelers took on the Buffalo Bills in a preseason game last month. At the time, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network said that Warren was expected to miss multiple weeks, and his status for the season opener was in jeopardy.

CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups!

Good looking stuff from Jaylen Warren….hamstring feeling better pic.twitter.com/csepqCcVlT

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 2, 2024

Warren is coming off a productive 2023 season, rushing for 784 yards and four touchdowns on 149 carries. He was also a threat in the passing game, catching 61 passes for 370 yards. The Steelers signed Warren as an undrafted free agent in 2022, and he rushed for 379 yards and one touchdown on 77 carries during his rookie season.

Is Jayen Warren the ‘best back’ on the Steelers roster?

In May, ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes praised Warren after his strong 2023 season. “Jaylen Warren is the best back on their roster. He’s not just more explosive than [Najee Harris], he’s one of the best backs in the NFL,” Kimes said. “I think he’s so complete, so good at forcing missed tackles, he’s good in pass protection, he can catch passes.

Watch NFL Games Live -Try for Free Fubo! Click HERE NOW

“For Pittsburgh, I think this year they are going to run it back with Warren and Harris, but next year I suspect they’ll hold on to Jaylen Warren and draft a back in the later rounds.”

In July, Warren spoke to Bryan DeAardo of CBS Sports about what he focused on during the offseason. “This offseason, I focused more on running more instead of just lifting,” Warren said. “I feel like I’m able to run all day. … It (also) helps a lot because my focus doesn’t get as challenged as it would if I was fatigued.” 

Warren played for Oklahoma State in 2021 but also spent time at Utah State in 2019 and 2020. In his one season with the Cowboys, Warren rushed for 1,216 and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. His production led to him being named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year.