Jaylen Warren might’ve entered the season as part of a crowded backfield, but after Thursday night’s performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, there’s no longer any doubt: he’s the guy in Pittsburgh.
The former Oklahoma State standout had a career night on national television, racking up 127 rushing yards and adding another 31 receiving yards on four catches in a hard-fought 27–24 loss. While the Steelers came up short in the final score, Warren’s explosive playmaking and workhorse ability were undeniable and possibly season-defining for a team still fighting to stay in the AFC playoff hunt.
From Committee to Control
Warren entered the year as the presumed lead back, but an early-season injury opened the door for other backs to carve out snaps. Rookie Kaleb Johnson was expected to challenge for touches, and veteran Kenneth Gainwell made a strong case for more involvement while Warren was sidelined.
But on Thursday night, Warren reminded everyone why he was first in line to begin with and likely cemented his place atop the depth chart for the foreseeable future.
He played 52% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps, handled 11 of the team’s 23 running back carries, and ran routes on over 50% of the team’s dropbacks. His 65% snap rate was his second-highest of the season, behind only his 78% usage in Week 3. That usage, paired with his unmatched production, signals a shift in Pittsburgh’s offensive identity: Jaylen Warren is now the focal point of the backfield.
Highest-Graded Offensive Player
The advanced metrics only further confirm what fans saw on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Warren graded out as the Steelers’ highest-rated offensive player in the game. His burst, vision, and physicality turned routine plays into chain-movers, and his reliability in the passing game added another layer to Pittsburgh’s offense.
He consistently found success between the tackles but also showed value as a pass-catcher, hauling in all four of his targets and creating mismatches in space. Simply put, he looked like a complete back.
What It Means Moving Forward
With his health back and his role seemingly secure, Warren is now poised to be a crucial piece in the Steelers’ push for the playoffs. If Pittsburgh wants to stay in the AFC North race, and possibly make noise in the postseason, they’ll need their offense to be balanced and productive. That starts with keeping Warren involved and riding the hot hand.
As long as he stays healthy, all signs point to Warren dominating the rest of the way. His mix of efficiency, explosiveness, and versatility makes him one of the most important players on the Steelers' roster and maybe one of the more underrated running backs in the league.
What began as a backfield committee has become a one-man show. And for a former undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, that’s a storyline worth celebrating.