Jaylen

Warren

DeFabo wonders whether Steelers coach Mike McCarthy will be “willing to open up the playbook for Heidenreich and how does the rookie fare in pass protection?” If McCarthy is willing to design plays for Heidenreich, and the youngster can be trusted to keep QB Aaron Rodgers safe from oncoming pass rushers, it is possible he earns a spot on the game-day roster. If not, he may need to spend 2026 refining his skill set while RB Jaylen Warren works on becoming Rodgers’ “new check-down favorite.” That said, DeFabo adds that “an injury or a surprising training camp performance could change things positively for Heidenreich. Keep an eye on him, but temper expectations.

The Steelers on Monday signed Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, to a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, as Gainwell left Pittsburgh in favor of Tampa. DeFabo said the new-look Pittsburgh offense could see Warren occupy last year’s Gainwell role (Gainwell was among the league leaders in running back targets and receptions). Warren, DeFabo said, “has been at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun; Warren is now likely to assume the pass-catching role that Gainwell occupied last year. Given the increased opportunities in this area, Warren may produce results similar to those of Gainwell, though he’s not as refined as a route runner.” Such a scenario would make Warren far more valuable than Dowdle in PPR formats this season, though Dowdle could be a flex option if he gets first crack at goal line carries and functions as the team’s primary ball carrier.

Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle’s size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.

The scrappy former change of pace back was thrust into a featured role this season after rookie Kaleb Johnson failed to pan out, ending the regular season with 958 yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries while adding 333 yards and two touchdowns on 40 receptions. The four-year veteran has missed only four games in his career and recently signed a two-year contract extension tying him to the team through the 2027 season, making it likely we see him hold fantasy value through the offseason as the likely starter in the backfield next year. That said, quarterback Aaron Rodgers appears likely to retire following his 21st season and head coach Mike Tomlin could be on the hot seat this offseason after seven straight playoff losses, meaning it could be an entirely new situation for Warren in the coming year.

Warren should be good to go for the Steelers’ Wild Card Round game against the Texans on Monday. The Texans field a top-tier defense, so having the backfield at full strength is helpful. Warren has been splitting work with RB Kenneth Gainwell and can be safely expected to continue doing so in the playoffs.

Warren was spotted with a mask and gloves on in the locker room. Most of the time, players play through illness in playoff games. We’d expect at worst Warren winds up with a questionable tag on Saturday and plays, so we’re not overly concerned about the illness.

Warren was solid again in the win for the Steelers, and while there were no massive runs for the 27-year-old, he helped keep the chains moving enough for Pittsburgh to clinch the AFC North. While Kenneth Gainwell got his fair share of touches, it’s worth noting Warren outcarried Gainwell 14-5 in the contest. He should see a similiar amount of touches in the Wild Card Game next Monday, but it’s worth nothing he’ll face one of the toughest defenses in the sport in the Texans.

Warren led the Steelers in rush attempts and rushing yards in Sunday’s loss, but the Steelers were never able to string together enough plays on the ground to keep drives alive. Warren picked up a 13-yard gain late in the third quarter to help set up an eventual field goal by Chris Boswell, which was missed, any other big gain Warren made was eventually followed by a punt. The Steelers’ RB1 has now run well in back-to-back weeks and will need to dig deep to lead his offense to a win in Week 18 against the Ravens in a game that decides the AFC North.

He’ll be a useful RB2 bet against the Browns in what projects as a good game script for running the football. Warren was limited during Wednesday’s practice, but got in full sessions on Thursday and Friday and appears to be whatever the NFL version of “100 percent” is for the Steelers on Sunday.

A limited practice to open the week is more or less maintenance for Warren. He should have no issues suiting up for Week 17’s game against the Browns. Coming off a two-score, 143-yard performance on Sunday, Warren is flirting with an RB2 ranking for the final week of the fantasy football season. He is still splitting work with Kenneth Gainwell, but both backs could get home in a run-heavy win over Cleveland.