Jaylen Warren injury update: What happened to Steelers RB in preseason game vs Bills?

Jaylen Warren's preseason outing against the Buffalo Bills may be cut short. The third-year Pittsburgh Steelers running back has suffered a hamstring injury and is unlikely to return, according to an update by ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter on X. The game is currently at halftime.

Warren suffered his injury in the first half of the Steelers' game against the Bills. He had one carry for one yard and two receptions for 14 yards before he exited the game with his injury.

The Bills and Steelers are currently tied 3-3. The Bills took a 3-0 lead as kicker Tyler Bass hit a field goal with two minutes left in the first half. And the Steelers' Chris Boswell answered with a field goal of his own just before halftime. Both teams are looking for their first win this preseason.

There hasn't been any information on how serious the injury is at the moment.

Jaylen Warren could have a breakout season at running back

Jaylen Warren during the AFC Wildcard Playoffs - Pittsburgh Steelers v Buffalo Bills - Source: Getty

If Jaylen Warren's injury isn't serious and if he doesn't miss significant time, he could be primed for a breakout season this year.

Warren was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 as an undrafted free agent. He made the Steelers' roster and served as Najee Harris' backup. He finished his rookie season with 77 carries for 379 yards and one rushing touchdown, and had 28 receptions for 214 yards.

Warren had a larger role in 2023, getting more than double the rush attempts with 149 carries for 784 yards along with four rushing touchdowns. He also had 61 receptions for 370 yards, surpassing 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

Najee Harris has been the Steelers' starting running back for the last three seasons. He's had at least 250 carries in each of his first three seasons and has yet to miss a game. He's also rushed for over 1,000 yards in each season.

The Steelers may look to reduce Harris' role after his heavy workload to start his career. Seeing that Warren is a different type of running back, being a more explosive, quick running back, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin may get him more involved this season.