Defeat is one of the worst feelings in football. If possible, NFL coaches and players do everything they can to avoid adding another loss to the column — especially if you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their high expectations entering this season weren’t empty words. They were a modest promise made to one of the most loyal fan bases in sports. But as we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s becoming painfully clear that the promise is starting to fade.
Mike Tomlin’s team is struggling — the same way it has in recent seasons. Offensive issues continue to haunt Arthur Smith’s system, even with All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center. Sure, the 41-year-old veteran has shown flashes of brilliance outside of his rough Week 10 outing against the Los Angeles Chargers, but it’s evident he can’t be the long-term solution to an age-old problem.
To make matters worse, the Steelers have a hungry, motivated, and capable running back waiting for his chance to take over — and they refuse to unleash him.
The beauty of Rodgers joining Pittsburgh was that he wasn’t supposed to carry the offense alone. For years, the Steelers built their identity on ground-and-pound football. They used dynamic tailbacks to wear down defenses and set up play-action passes to keep them honest. It was the perfect formula for an aging quarterback and a deep running back room.
At the top of that room sits Jaylen Warren, arguably Pittsburgh’s most undervalued weapon. His elusiveness, quickness, and versatility consistently turn small gains into big plays.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot afford to continue to misuse RB Jaylen Warren
Since 2022, Warren has served as the Steelers’ Swiss Army knife — averaging more than four yards per carry every season. His 54.8 scrimmage yards per game behind Najee Harris in 2024 convinced the front office to lock him up with a two-year, $12 million extension.
But what good is a contract if you don’t use the player?
Fans are starting to wonder the same thing. Arthur Smith’s deliberate decision to sideline Warren during critical drives has left many scratching their heads. It feels like the Steelers have completely abandoned their most explosive back.
READ MORE: Steelers' primetime failure exposes Mike Tomlin in most brutal way possible
Through ten weeks, Warren has totaled 474 rushing yards on 113 carries, adding just two touchdowns. Those numbers don’t scream “feature back” — but only because the Steelers refuse to treat him like one.
Sunday night against the Chargers was the latest example. The offense was stagnant. Rodgers looked off. The game was slipping away. Yet instead of feeding the one player consistently generating positive yardage, Pittsburgh split carries between Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson.
Warren finished with 70 rushing yards on 14 carries, playing just 24 snaps (42.6%) of the offensive total. That’s simply too low for a player the organization just committed to through 2027.
Let’s call it what it is — coaching malpractice.
Arthur Smith’s misuse of Jaylen Warren isn’t just frustrating; it’s sabotaging Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm. The Steelers cannot win football games without a steady rushing attack, and Jaylen Warren is the man built to provide it.
If the Steelers want to find their offensive identity again, it starts with No. 30 — not the sideline.