Following a breakout second season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren’s status to open his third year is in doubt.
Warren will be out multiple weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained Saturday and his status for the season opener is up in the air, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Sunday.
Warren left the Steelers’ Week 2 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills with the injury.
With Warren hobbled, this could potentially lead to a bigger workload for the team’s RB1 Najee Harris and/or bestow more opportunities to Cordarrelle Patterson.
Many clamored for more Warren reps last season when he posted 784 yards on 149 carries (5.3 yards per carry). He added four rushing touchdowns and an eye-popping 61 receptions for 370 yards.
As the Steelers offense gets used to new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s scheme, it’s struggled hugely, having tallied just 15 points combined in two preseason games.
Warren’s injury is hardly a good sign of things to come, especially considering the tricky nature of hamstring ailments. For now, Pittsburgh is hoping for the best as it relates to his availability for the season opener Sept. 8 at the Atlanta Falcons.