It’s important to have your most skilled soldiers ready for battle—especially when everything is on the line. The Pittsburgh Steelers know this as well as anyone, which is why the latest update on the injury report ahead of Monday Night Football feels unsettling. In a game with postseason implications against the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh may be forced to hold its breath over the status of running back Jaylen Warren.
According to Adam Schefter, the Steelers changed Warren’s designation to questionable early Monday morning due to an illness. The moment that news surfaced, the warning sirens went off. Anyone who watches this team week in and week out understands just how vital Warren has become to Arthur Smith’s offense.
When the unit stalls, when lanes disappear, or when drives teeter on the edge, Warren is often the spark that unclogs everything.
He’s electric, explosive, and—at this stage of the season—borderline essential. Warren doesn’t just run the ball; he provides rhythm. He forces defenses to respect the interior, opening up opportunities elsewhere. That’s not an exaggeration.
This season, Warren leads the Steelers in rushing yards (652) and carries (159) by a wide margin. When Pittsburgh needs tough yards between the tackles, they turn to him instinctively. In an offense that ranks 29th in rushing, his presence is more than a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Now imagine this offense without him. It’s not a comforting thought.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Jaylen Warren to play in a must-win MNF battle
Yes, Kenneth Gainwell has exceeded expectations and has demonstrated his ability to shoulder responsibility in stretches. He’s capable of handling the load for a few quarters and providing steady production. But football games, especially primetime ones against determined opponents, are rarely that simple. Rotations matter. Availability matters. And if Gainwell is unavailable for even a single snap, the options become thin quickly.
That’s where concern truly sets in. Turning to rookie Kaleb Johnson in a moment, this big feels premature. He may have potential, but expecting him to deliver in a must-win scenario against a disciplined Miami defense is a tall order. Not yet. Not in this moment.
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The irony is that the Steelers’ offensive limitations only amplify Warren’s importance. Because the unit struggles to consistently run the ball, Warren’s efficiency and explosiveness stand out even more. He masks flaws. He keeps defenses honest. He gives Pittsburgh a fighting chance to control tempo and stay on schedule.
That’s also why he can’t afford to miss time.
Illness is unpredictable, and sometimes it’s out of a player’s control. But as a fan, it’s impossible not to worry. Monday night football doesn’t wait, and the postseason picture certainly won’t pause out of sympathy. Like everyone wearing black and gold, I want the Steelers to win. I believe Jaylen Warren—questionable tag and all—gives them the best chance to do exactly that against the Dolphins.
Even if he’s not at 100 percent, Warren's presence alone changes everything.