In a stunning development, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is OUT for Sunday’s Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The former undrafted free agent battled a knee injury throughout the weeks, but most news outlets believed he would suit up. This suggests Warren had some type of setback in the past few hours.
Read More: Kenneth Gainwell, Kaleb Johnson Fantasy Football Outlook Without Jaylen Warren
#Steelers RB Jaylen Warren is inactive today because of a knee injury he suffered this week. No Joey Porter Jr or Alex Highsmith, either. https://t.co/Gwmcoa7RUQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 28, 2025
BREAKING: Jaylen Warren OUT With Knee Injury In Steelers-Vikings
With Jaylen Warren out for this contest, Pittsburgh’s backfield will likely run through journeyman Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell, a former fifth-round pick, joined the Steelers after spending the first four years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Spending most of his time as a backup, Gainwell recorded 280 carries for 1,240 yards and 12 touchdowns during his four years in Philadelphia before joining the Black and Gold as a free agent. Playing behind Warren, Gainwell has recorded 16 attempts for 55 yards and a touchdown through three games.
Warren’s injury likely means that third-round pick Kaleb Johnson will see some time on the field. Selected early in what was widely perceived as a stacked running back class, the Iowa product has struggled at the professional level. To date, Johnson has recorded just two carries for -1 yards and a fumble and also misplayed a kick return that gifted a touchdown to the Seattle Seahawks. This blunder cost him a spot on the game day roster in Week 3, and while he probably won’t return kicks any time soon, head coach Mike Tomlin said that Johnson has acknowledged his mistakes and is working to improve. Gainwell will be the lead back in this offense, but Johnson could earn some playing time in a supporting role.
Main Photo: Brian Fluharty – Imagn Images
