Steelers Receive Thrilling Update On Jaylen Warren’s Week 1 Injury Status

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills wasn’t their only setback last Saturday. Early in the game, running back Jaylen Warren left the field with a hamstring injury. While the injury has sparked some concern among fans, Warren remains unfazed. Speculation swirled in the media about whether Warren might miss Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.

However, Chris Adamski of the Trib Live reported that Warren downplayed any worries about his availability for the start of the regular season. Although Warren is expected to sit out the Steelers’ final preseason game against the Detroit Lions, he made it clear that if it were Week 1, he would be ready to play.

"It’s nothing major," Warren said of his injury. "I would play, but you have to be smart. I am fine. We are just looking at this point to the regular season."

This preseason is vastly different for Warren. As he enters into his third season, Warren doesn't really have anything to prove in the preseason. For the first time in his career, Warren has an established role on the team. In the past two preseasons, he was still fighting to prove himself. As an undrafted free agent, he had to stand out in training camp and preseason games just to secure a spot on the roster.

Now, the situation is different. Warren is being held out of the preseason to ensure he’s ready for the regular season. He’s become a key part of the Steelers’ offense, and the team will heavily rely on him during the 2024 season. The priority now is making sure he’s healthy and prepared to handle a significant workload in Week 1 against the Falcons. Despite understanding the importance of resting, Warren still wishes he could suit up for the final preseason game.

"I try not to look at it like that," Warren said. "I’d rather just take the same approach to everything. I still would rather be out there still doing everything I can to help win a Super Bowl."

When Warren was asked if there was any chance he would miss the Week 1 start of the regular season, he confidently responded, "No." Warren doesn’t see any scenario where he would be sidelined for the game. This is encouraging news for Steeler Nation, which had some concerns after early reports about his injury surfaced.

Hamstring injuries can be tricky and prone to lingering, but it appears this one is minor. Warren is likely being held out of action as a precaution. Entering his third season, Warren now faces real expectations. Previously, anything he accomplished was a pleasant surprise, as little was initially expected of him. However, he’s started to prove himself, coming off a 2023 season where he recorded 149 carries for 784 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Is Going To Need A Healthy Jaylen Warren

The Steelers’ offense in 2023 was embarrassing to watch, prompting significant changes this offseason, including the hiring of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. With Smith now in the Steel City, the Steelers are expected to return to a physical, dominating style of play, which makes having a healthy Warren crucial.

The Steelers boast one of the hardest-hitting and most talented running back tandems in Najee Harris and Warren. In a new system that prioritizes the running game, many expect both Harris and Warren to have breakout seasons in 2024.

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