Fans across Pittsburgh and fantasy football managers nationwide have been asking all week: is Jaylen Warren playing Week 4? The question became one of the biggest talking points heading into the Steelers’ international matchup in Dublin. On game day, the team made it official — Warren is inactive, sidelined by a knee injury that kept him limited throughout the week.
His absence leaves a major hole in Pittsburgh’s backfield and forces the coaching staff to rethink its offensive approach. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Warren’s situation, what it means for the Steelers, and how it impacts both fans and fantasy owners.
How the Injury Story Developed
Jaylen Warren’s injury status was unclear as the Steelers prepared for Week 4. Early in the week, he was listed as limited in practice with a right knee issue. At first, some reports suggested it might be precautionary, especially given his heavy workload through the opening three games.
By Friday, though, the Steelers officially designated him as questionable. The uncertainty grew when the team promoted running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad, a move that signaled they were preparing for the possibility Warren couldn’t play.
When the inactives list was released before kickoff, Warren’s name was on it. That confirmed the outcome fans had feared — the Steelers would play Week 4 without their starting running back.
Warren’s Role Before the Injury
To understand the impact of his absence, it’s important to look at what Jaylen Warren had been providing this season.
With Najee Harris leaving the Steelers in free agency during the offseason, Warren entered 2025 as the clear lead back. Many wondered whether he could handle the responsibility of being a full-time starter. Through three games, he answered those questions with confidence.
His production included:
- 132 rushing yards on 43 carries
- 142 receiving yards with one touchdown
- A consistent presence in both early-down and passing situations
Warren’s versatility made him valuable. He could carry the ball between the tackles, line up as a receiving option, and provide critical pass protection for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Losing that all-around skill set for even one week represents a significant setback for Pittsburgh’s offense.
Steelers’ Adjustments Without Warren
With Warren unavailable, the Steelers must shuffle their backfield rotation.
- Kenneth Gainwell: Expected to take over as the lead back, handling most of the carries and passing-down work.
- Trey Sermon: Activated to provide depth, he may be used in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
- Kaleb Johnson: The rookie running back could see limited action, especially in special teams or specific packages.
The challenge for Pittsburgh is that none of these backs replicate Warren’s exact skill set. Gainwell is capable as a receiver, but he hasn’t shown the same burst. Sermon brings physicality, but his consistency has been questioned. Johnson is still learning the NFL game.
This means the offense may lean more heavily on Rodgers and the passing attack in Week 4. Expect more quick passes, screens, and creative play-calling to cover for the loss of Warren’s production.
What the Team Loses Without Him
Jaylen Warren’s absence isn’t just about raw numbers. It affects several key aspects of Pittsburgh’s offensive identity.
- Explosiveness: Warren has shown the ability to turn short gains into chunk plays, something the backups have yet to display consistently.
- Pass Protection: He’s been reliable at picking up blitzes, helping Rodgers stay upright against aggressive defenses.
- Consistency: His steady involvement kept defenses guessing, as he could be just as dangerous catching a screen pass as he was running inside.
Without him, the Steelers may struggle to maintain balance. Defenses will likely key in on Rodgers, daring Pittsburgh to beat them with its reserve backs.
Fantasy Football Fallout
For fantasy football players, Warren’s absence in Week 4 is a big blow. He was becoming a dependable starter, particularly in PPR formats where his receiving work added value.
Here’s what managers need to know:
- Kenneth Gainwell: Likely to see the biggest uptick in touches, making him a strong waiver wire pickup or flex option.
- Trey Sermon: More of a deep-league stash, useful if he earns red-zone carries.
- Kaleb Johnson: Worth monitoring in dynasty formats but unlikely to contribute heavily right away.
If you had Warren in your lineup this week, you’ll need to adjust quickly, especially given the early international kickoff.
Steelers’ Broader Offensive Outlook
This season was already a big transition for Pittsburgh. Bringing in Aaron Rodgers as quarterback raised expectations but also brought pressure to maximize offensive weapons. Losing Warren, even for one week, complicates that plan.
Rodgers has been effective but not spectacular through the first three games. Without a reliable lead back, the offense risks becoming one-dimensional. Wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson will need to shoulder a heavier load, while tight end Pat Freiermuth could see more targets in short-yardage situations.
If the Steelers can’t establish a credible running game without Warren, defenses may turn up the heat on Rodgers, forcing him to throw under pressure.
How Long Could Warren Be Out?
As of now, the team has only ruled him out for Week 4. The hope is that this is a short-term setback. Knee injuries vary widely, and the Steelers may be exercising caution, especially given the travel demands of an international game.
Fans should watch for updates early next week regarding his participation in practice. If he returns to limited or full work, there’s a chance he could suit up in Week 5. But if the injury lingers, Pittsburgh will need to continue leaning on backups.
Historical Importance of Warren’s Role
Jaylen Warren’s story has been inspiring. Undrafted in 2022, he fought his way onto the Steelers’ roster as a backup to Najee Harris. Over time, he earned more touches by proving he could be trusted in critical moments. By 2024, he was splitting time with Harris almost evenly. When Harris departed, Warren became the unquestioned starter.
That underdog journey has made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. His gritty running style and determination to maximize every opportunity have resonated with the city’s blue-collar identity. That’s part of why his absence feels so significant — he’s not just another player, he’s become a central figure in the team’s offensive resurgence.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
While Week 4 won’t feature Jaylen Warren, Steelers fans still have reasons for optimism. Injuries are part of every NFL season, and depth players often rise to the occasion when given the opportunity.
Gainwell and Sermon now have a chance to prove themselves. If they perform well, it could give the Steelers valuable flexibility later in the season. And when Warren returns, the team could find itself with a deeper, more versatile backfield.
The key will be how quickly the offense adapts to the new reality without Warren, at least for this week.
Final Thoughts
So, is Jaylen Warren playing Week 4? The answer is no. The Steelers’ starting running back has been ruled inactive with a knee injury, forcing Pittsburgh to rely on Kenneth Gainwell, Trey Sermon, and rookie Kaleb Johnson to fill the void.
It’s a tough blow for the team and fantasy owners, but also an opportunity for backups to make their mark. As for Warren, the hope is that his absence is temporary and that he returns healthy to continue what has been a promising season.
What do you think — can the Steelers keep their offense rolling without Warren, or will his absence highlight bigger issues for the team? Share your perspective below and join the conversation.