Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Makes Powerful Statement Aimed At Arthur Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers clearly have a lot of faith in running back Jaylen Warren. That was shown after the 2024 season ended when the Steelers made no effort to bring back Najee Harris. Instead, they doubled down on Warren as their future, rewarding him with a two-year extension before the 2025 season began. In Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh fell 31-17, but Warren once again showed why the team believes in him. While he managed just 48 rushing yards on 14 carries, his ability to make plays in the passing game stood out as one of the few positives in an otherwise disappointing afternoon.

Warren’s performance as a receiver turned heads, not just among fans, but inside the locker room as well. He caught four passes for 86 yards, including a few explosive plays that kept the Steelers’ offense alive. The versatility Warren brings to the table continues to separate him from other backs. His value in the passing game gives Aaron Rodgers a reliable option who can turn a short reception into a momentum-shifting gain.

Rodgers himself took notice, and after the game, he spoke with The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, sending a clear message to Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Rodgers emphasized that Warren deserves more opportunities in the passing game, signaling that he sees the former undrafted back as a key piece of the offense. 

"Jaylen is a great player," Rodgers said while speaking to The Athletic after the 31-17 loss. "That was an awesome catch and run. He brings a lot to the table. We might have to keep giving him more opportunities in the pass game, because every time he touches it, something good happens."

For a Steelers team that has struggled to find consistency through two weeks, leaning on Warren’s receiving ability could be exactly the spark they need. 

With Rodgers pushing for his playmaker to see more targets, Steelers fans can expect Warren’s role to continue growing as the season moves forward. 

Warren’s 65-yard reception set the Steelers up perfectly in the red zone with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. Pittsburgh appeared poised to score and take the lead with the game tied at 14. If the team had not turned the ball over, that pass and catch from Warren would likely have been remembered by Steelers fans as one of the key plays that could have decided the outcome.

Steelers Looking To Get Jaylen Warren More Receptions

It’s an exciting thought for Steelers fans to hear Rodgers talking about getting Warren more involved in the passing attack. He had four catches in the Week 2 contest, and his impact as a receiver out of the backfield is clearly important. If the Steelers can take care of the football and find more ways to get Warren open for both catches and runs through Smith’s play-calling, they could start building some positive momentum for the 2025 season.

Rodgers is clearly hopeful that Smith will find ways to give Warren more opportunities to showcase his skill set. On the other hand, Rodgers is a four-time league MVP and a veteran who has seen it all. He knows how to create chances for Warren and get him more targets in the passing game. Expect the Steelers to involve Warren in the offense with more receptions as the season progresses.

What have you made out of how Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has used Jaylen Warren in the running and passing game? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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