The dangers of the preseason were laid bare when Pittsburgh Steelers‘ RB Jaylen Warren left their second game with a hamstring strain. With the injury happening in mid-August, it was always likely to be touch-and-go as to whether Warren would be able to make it back for Week 1 of the 2024 season.
That has left his fantasy football managers sweating his potential return and uncertain of what it means for Week 1. Let’s take a look at Warren’s latest injury updates and his outlook for the 2024 season.
What Is the Latest on Jaylen Warren’s Injury?
The Steelers’ running back strained his hamstring and, initially, reports were he’d miss multiple weeks. Fortunately, the tone quickly became far more optimistic.
Warren said he would have played last week had it been the regular season. On Monday, he said he would be ready for Week 1. The brief discount in fantasy drafts should be gone, so anyone who managed to take advantage in the meantime should be pleased.
There is every chance that Warren will be on the NFL injury report this week, but hopefully, his status will be nothing worse than limited. Warren’s status on Friday will give us a good indication of what this week holds in terms of his being active.
Jaylen Warren’s Fantasy Outlook
Warren gave his fantasy football managers over 1,100 total yards last season. Yet, he’s remained behind Najee Harris on the depth chart, and that will likely be the case entering the 2024 season, too.
If you want to talk yourself into Warren early in the eighth round (1-1.5 round discount from Harris), it’s a bet on talent and your willingness to gamble.
MORE: PFN’s Consensus 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings
Warren averaged 60% more yards per carry before first contact last season than Harris and is simply the more explosive player. He finished 2023 with just three fewer broken tackles despite 106 fewer attempts than Harris and matched him with 24 rushes of 10+ yards.
Warren is being drafted alongside some interesting names. Javonte Williams (now two years removed from the brutal knee injury) is my favorite of a group that includes Zamir White (first season with a starting role), James Conner (5.0 ypc last season but has 1,125 carries for his career and a third-round pick in Trey Benson waiting in the wings), and Zack Moss (also in a full-blown committee).
I’m expecting Warren’s 2024 season to look something like 2023. He only had five games in which he reached double figures in carries, and, barring the first real injury in Harris’ career, that role figures to be capped so that his viability every week will be a question.
For a complete breakdown, check out Jaylen Warren’s fantasy profile.