The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a must-win game early in the season. No, playoff seeding isn’t on the line just yet, but momentum is — and in this league, momentum matters. With the team heading into a much-needed bye week, Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, feels like one they can’t afford to drop.
I hate to admit it, but Pittsburgh is banged up right now. It’s been one of those stretches where every injury report feels heavier than the last. Defensively, they’re short-handed. Offensively, they’ve struggled to find rhythm. And that imbalance is giving Carson Wentz and the Vikings a bit of an advantage heading into Week 4.
But just when the dark clouds seemed to be settling over the Steelers’ sideline, some good news finally arrived — and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
After a week filled with uncertainty surrounding running back Jaylen Warren’s status, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Warren is expected to play Sunday despite battling a knee injury. For Steelers fans, that’s the sigh of relief we all needed heading into the weekend.
Warren, who was limited in practice and listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, is simply too important to this offense to be missing in action. His presence provides a spark that no one else on the roster can fully replicate.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would benefit from Jaylen Warren playing in Week 4
Through the first three games, Warren has rushed for 132 yards on 43 carries — not eye-popping numbers by any means, but given the state of the Steelers’ offensive line and their struggles running the football, it’s been enough to keep the ground game alive.
Let’s be real — Pittsburgh’s rushing attack has been hard to watch. They’re averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, ranking near the bottom of the NFL.
That’s not the kind of football Mike Tomlin or offensive coordinator Arthur Smith envision. This offense was built to be physical, to control tempo, and to wear down opponents. So far, that identity has been missing.
READ MORE: Week 4 injury news opens the door for Steelers rookie redemption story
That’s why Warren’s expected return means more than just another healthy body in the backfield. It’s a chance for the Steelers to reset their tone and rediscover their rhythm. Warren’s running style — tough, balanced, and relentless — embodies what Pittsburgh football is supposed to look like. His ability to break tackles and extend drives gives this offense something it’s been desperately lacking: stability.
I believe a healthy rotation of Jaylen Warren, rookie Kaleb Johnson, and Kenneth Gainwell will be key on Sunday. It doesn’t need to be flashy — just efficient, tough, and smart football. If the Steelers can establish the run, control the clock, and protect Aaron Rodgers from Minnesota’s top-10 defense, a hard-fought win is within reach.
Then, with a 3-1 record heading into the bye week, Pittsburgh can finally exhale, heal up, and refocus. It won’t erase the bumps from the first month, but it would put this team right where they need to be — back on track, and back to believing.