Mike Tomlin Explains Why Jaylen Warren Was Inactive For Steelers-Vikings

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 on Sunday, even though star running back Jaylen Warren missed the game with a knee injury.

Many were surprised by Warren’s inactivity, especially since ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter posted on X the day before the game that Warren was expected to play.

Head coach Mike Tomlin explained why the Steelers chose not to let Warren play against the Vikings.

“Jaylen was a pre-game decision, which is why we listed him as questionable,” Tomlin said Sunday. “He worked out prior to the game, but we didn’t feel confident enough to put him in the game, as he might not have been able to finish.”

Even though Warren couldn’t suit up on Sunday, the Steelers found success running the football.

Warren’s backup, Kenneth Gainwell, ran for 99 yards and scored two touchdowns on 19 attempts, while rookie running back Kaleb Johnson carried the ball six times for 37 yards.

Warren now has had some extra time to rest, as the Steelers head into their bye week.

The 26-year-old running back will need all the recovery time he can get because when Pittsburgh returns to action in Week 6, it will face a Cleveland Browns defense that has allowed just 57.3 rushing yards per game this season.

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