Steelers' Jaylen Warren In Real Danger Of Getting Benched After Troubling Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers were pumped up about what running back Jaylen Warren was set to do in the 2025 NFL season. He is expected to have a much larger role with Najee Harris moving on in free agency, giving Warren a chance to emerge as the team’s lead back. Adding to the mix is rookie Kaleb Johnson, who joins Warren in the running back room. The duo, along with veteran Kenneth Gainwell, was expected to create a versatile and productive group capable of keeping the Steelers’ offense balanced and dynamic.

However, Thursday night’s 19-10 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers offered a different perspective. Warren struggled to make an impact, failing to hit the holes as decisively as expected and showing a level of inconsistency that raised questions. While preseason performances are not always predictive, the early struggles drew attention from analysts and fans alike, especially with a rookie waiting in the wings.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly addressed the situation on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, revealing that Warren could soon see his role in the running back room come into question. With Johnson and Gainwell capable of stepping up, the competition is heating up, and Warren will need to respond quickly to secure the touches he is expected to handle. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Warren to see if he can live up to expectations or if the Steelers will shift their approach.

"I could see Warren fumbling and getting benched," Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "Kaleb Johnson goes in and doesn't give the job back."

Warren didn’t see a ton of action, but when involved, he struggled to make an impact. He had just two carries for three rushing yards and two catches for 12 receiving yards. The most concerning moment was his fumble, though fortunately for Pittsburgh, the team recovered it and the turnover was avoided. Still, Warren has had a history of fumbling issues throughout his career.

Many Steelers fans were excited about Warren getting more opportunities, while others worry if he can handle a heavier workload and protect the football. Over his three seasons with the team, Warren has fumbled seven times, and that is a concern that cannot be ignored.

If Warren is ever going to develop into a true bell-cow running back in Pittsburgh, he will need to clean up his ball security. Improving in this area is crucial for him to earn the trust of the coaching staff and become the lead back the Steelers expect him to be in 2025.

Steelers' Kaleb Johnson Will Need To Ignite This Running Game In 2025

The Steelers drafted Johnson with high hopes that he could step in and replace Harris fairly quickly. Early reports indicate that the running game as a whole has struggled, a trend noted by many insiders who observed training camp. That struggle also seemed to carry over into the preseason, where the running game failed to get going consistently.

Of course, it’s truly difficult to fully evaluate the preseason. There are many variables at play during these exhibition games, and it’s important not to put too much stock in the results. However, seeing a veteran running back struggle so much against the Panthers’ second-string players is certainly worrisome. Warren will have plenty of time to get some positive momentum in practice before facing off against the New York Jets in Week 1.

Are you worried about Warren's preseason showing against the Panthers? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

#SteelerNation