Steelers' Mike Tomlin Issues Harsh Reminder To Jaylen Warren About Priorities On Day 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers went into training camp in 2022 with Najee Harris as the clear lead running back. Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland Jr. were set to battle for the privilege of backing up Harris. An undrafted free agent named Jaylen Warren was also in Latrobe, PA, but he was considered a long shot to make the team.

Warren served notice on the first day in pads, that he was a training camp phenom. Harris was hobbled with a foot injury during most of camp and the preseason, which gave the former Oklahoma State running back a chance to shine. He took full advantage of his opportunity.

The undrafted free agent did not just make the team. Heading into the bye week last season, Warren had performed so well that fans and some media members were clamoring for him to become a bigger part of the Steelers offense. The lingering foot injury had robbed Harris of any explosiveness and fans were tired of watching him dance instead of run.

It is not clear whether the foot injury healed enough to allow the explosion by Harris in the second half of last season or whether Warren’s presence prompted it. Either way, the Steelers had a legitimate tandem at running back and both players were highly effective. Warren gained an edge in pass protection, but Harris ran with the reckless abandon Steelers fans had been waiting to see since he was drafted.

Warren has a full season under his belt and is entering camp as half of what the Steelers hope will be an effective tandem. In limited action last season, he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 14 of his 28 receptions resulted in first downs for Pittsburgh. Warren averaged a full yard per carry more than Harris. He was also a viable alternative to the Steelers' all-time rookie reception leader in the passing game. 

Steelers Running Back Najee Harris Has Harsh Words For NFL On Day 1 Of Training Camp

One of the Steelers' most bitter rivals Jerry Glanville coined the phrase that the NFL acronym stood for 'not for long.' Mike Tomlin isn't the only head coach in the league that has embraced that mantra. Harris has been embroiled in some controversy heading into camp because of the current status of the running back position. When a reporter asked how Warren makes Harris better, Tomlin issued a stern rebuke in his answer. 

"I don't know that he does," Tomlin said bluntly. "Jaylen better focus on Jaylen."

Not to contradict the head coach, but Warren's presence made the Steelers a more effective offense. Tomlin had an up-close view of how Warren's performance affected Harris behind the scenes. It is a matter of fact that after the bye, Harris was simply better than he had ever been as a professional. To Tomlin's point, was it because of Warren, or was Harris just finally healthy? One could argue both.

Tomlin has a commanding presence and it is certainly possible that it was not meant to come off harshly when he responded, but it did. Nothing has been reported about Warren having any issues personally or professionally during the offseason to justify any vitriol from his coach. It is likely that it was just a terse answer near the end of a press conference, but it could be a challenge to surpass his camp performance from last season. 

The Steelers will begin practicing Thursday at Saint Vincent College. It will be approximately another week before they put on pads. Warren staked his claim with an appetite for contact that Tomlin and his staff uniquely appreciate. It will be interesting to see if Warren can remind his head coach, why they fell in love with him last summer.

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Warren take a step forward in year two and get more playing time? Please comment below or on my TwitterX @thebubbasq.com

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