Aaron Rodgers Teases Larger Role For ‘Great’ Steelers Teammate

A burgeoning Pittsburgh Steelers skill-position player may receive more touches if Aaron Rodgers gets his wish.

Jaylen Warren has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry in each of Pittsburgh’s first two games, but the running back has dazzled as a receiver. The 26-year-old has caught all six targets for 108 yards and a touchdown after securing four catches for a team-high 86 yards in Sunday’s 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Rodgers noticed Warren’s receiving production, notably a 65-yard play that put the Steelers down near the goal line during a tie game in the third quarter. The quarterback suggested a heavier pass-game involvement for the 5-foot-8 back, per The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.

“Jaylen is a great player,” Rodgers said after the game. “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.”

The highlight play didn’t yield any points, as Rodgers threw a third-down interception. It could have reflected a major turning point if the Steelers capitalized with a go-ahead score.

Warren went from receiving 13 touches on 25 Week 1 snaps to 18 touches on 36 snaps last Sunday. It’s still not the heavy featured role some observers may have anticipated in place of Najee Harris, who stockpiled 1,277 touches through four seasons in Pittsburgh.

Mike Tomlin has given reps to veteran Kenneth Gainwell, who’s turned 12 carries and nine targets into 49 yards. Meanwhile, rookie Kalen Johnson has played just two offensive snaps in each game.

The Steelers have gone against past precedent with a committee approach, even after giving Warren a two-year extension at the start of September. His receiving prowess could create more opportunities, but Pittsburgh must ultimately improve a ground game that ranks 30th in rushing yards (125) and yards per carry (3.0).

Let’s see if Rodgers targets Warren more when the Steelers play the New England Patriots this Sunday.

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