The Pittsburgh Steelers may still have questions all across the roster, but one thing that is known for them is the running game. Even with Jaylen Warren's current injury, there was very little question as to what the running back room would look like heading into Week 1. It would be him and Najee Harris carrying the load for the Steelers, while Cordarrelle Patterson waits to see if he gets his chance to run the rock to give them both a break. The main question would be on the workload for Harris and Patterson for Week 1, but that has now been answered.
jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren gives his team a much-needed burst on offense thanks to his quickness and acceleration
The media was able to get a quick glimpse of the Steelers' practice before roster cutdown day. From there, Ray Fittipaldo reported that Warren announced his status for their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Jaylen Warren said he will play in the regular season opener in Atlanta.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 26, 2024
Warren's status has been questioned ever since he got injured during the preseason, and he finally came out with a straight answer: he's all in for the first game. While Harris and Patterson could still see more of a workload than usual, it is still great to see Warren healing up and getting ready to play immediately. There is still almost two weeks to go before the team travels to Atlanta, which only helps his status.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Running back Jaylen Warren scores a touchdown for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7 at SoFi Stadium.
Steelers May Have Another Key Player Returning
Before the announcement, Warren was seen doing some light workouts with the team. He was joined by another injured player: Roman Wilson. Wilson had been dealing with a sprained ankle since training camp after a jet sweep went wrong. However, both of them were seen with the whole team, as opposed to just a small group of injured players.
A couple of guys stretching #Steelers. Jaylen Warren. Roman Wilson pic.twitter.com/Nkn2TV4jgF
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) August 26, 2024
The Steelers need all the healthy bodies they can get, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The wide receiver core is low on depth, meaning Wilson could provide a major spark to the unit when he returns. The offensive line has also been decimated all preseason long, and the team needs some reinforcements there to open up holes for Warren and the rest of the running back room. It's great to see the young running back return, as well as the rookie receiver practicing, but the team still needs more.
Karl Roser / pittsburgh Steelers
Receiver Roman Wilson during the Steelers' 2024 rookie camp
What do you think about Warren announcing that he will play in Week 1, as well as the injury situation around Wilson and the rest of the Steelers? Let us know in the comments.
#SteelerNation
