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Jaylen Warren
RB · PIT

Jaylen Warren

Position RB
Team PIT
Bye Week 9
PPR Rank #70

Jaylen Warren

NFL player. Position: RB. Team: PIT.

Quick Facts

  • Position: RB
  • Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Bye week (2026): 9
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 70

2026 Outlook

Warren finished 2025 as one of the Steelers' most consistent skill players despite the offense's struggles. An undrafted free agent who excels as a pass-catcher and blocker, Warren ranked 15th in EPA/rush, 19th in success rate, and 8th in missed tackles forced among 49 qualifying RBs. His three-down versatility makes him incredibly useful in McCarthy's system. With Aaron Rodgers returning and new coordinator Brian Angelichio implementing a more explosive passing scheme, Warren should see increased usage in the passing game, boosting his PPR value. Ranked #9 on the Steelers' depth chart, he remains a reliable back despite limited draft capital investment (per Bell: Ranking Steelers Top 10 Players Entering 2026).

SNAP SHARE CONCERNS (June 23): Despite being labeled the lead back in 2025, Warren led Steelers RBs in snaps in only 8 of 16 games, with Kenneth Gainwell taking significant work. While Gainwell moved to Tampa Bay, the Steelers subsequently signed Rico Dowdle (back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher), creating a crowded backfield. Snap-share uncertainty and competing backs create bust risk even in deeper leagues, potentially limiting Warren's touches and ceiling (per Breece Hall Headlines Group of Potential Running Back Busts in Fantasy Football).

McCarthy's ground-game emphasis (June 30): Yahoo Sports' 2026 Steelers positional review rated the RB room at 7.5, noting that McCarthy and new OC Brian Angelichio specifically want a "dynamic ground game" to avoid taxing 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers with high pass volume. Warren and Dowdle are expected to form a "productive 1-2 punch," with Dowdle coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and Warren bringing pass-catching versatility. McCarthy's system success in past stops has hinged on dominant run games, suggesting both backs could see elevated usage if the OL performs. (per Rating each position on Steelers' roster heading into 2026 NFL training camp)

With Kenneth Gainwell's departure, Warren is positioned as the primary receiving back, handling most passing-down work. The most likely scenario has Rico Dowdle dominating early-down work while Warren operates as a high-end RB2 if he captures most of Gainwell's target share. At RB27 in ADP, Warren offers value for a back coming off 1,000 rushing yards, 40 receptions, and 8 touchdowns in 2025 (per 5 Position Battles to Watch: Running Backs (2026 Fantasy Football) - FantasyPros).

Role / Depth Chart

Competing in a running back committee with Rico Dowdle. The Steelers have two starting-caliber backs, but early indications suggest Dowdle may become the primary back due to his familiarity with Mike McCarthy's offensive system. Warren's pass-catching abilities and versatility make him a valuable complementary back, though his snap share could be limited in a committee setting. (per 10 questions the Steelers must answer at training camp)

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Jaylen's role

Mike McCarthyHead CoachBrian AngelichioOffensive CoordinatorJahri EvansAssistant Offensive Line CoachJames CampenOffensive Line CoachRamon Chinyoung Sr.Running Backs Coach

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