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Fantasy Alert: Steelers’ Jaylen Warren Expected to Play in Week 1 Despite Hamstring Injury | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 6: Jaylen Warren #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the Pittsburgh Steelers' OTA offseason practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Fantasy football managers hoping Jaylen Warren can provide unexpected value this season will be pleased with Monday’s developments.

The Pittsburgh Steelers running back is dealing with a hamstring injury but said he participated in individual drills Monday and plans to participate in team practices Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

He is therefore expected to be on the field on Sunday for the game against the Atlanta Falcons.

It wasn’t always clear whether Warren would play in the season opener. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Aug. 18 that he could miss “a couple of weeks” with the injury he suffered in an exhibition game against the Buffalo Bills, leaving his status for Week 1 “unclear.”

Still, he’s made enough progress, so the plan is for him to play.

There are still risks to relying on Warren from a fantasy perspective, even if he’s healthy enough to play against the Falcons.

He is expected to share the backfield with Najee Harris, after all. Harris had 255 carries last season to Warren’s 149, though the latter was better in yards per attempt at 5.3 to 4.1.

Harris is likely to see plenty of action again this season, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has also hinted at a package with backup quarterback Justin Fields. Such a package would certainly let Fields use his legs to make plays as a runner, which could limit Warren’s chances at the goal line.

A glass-half-full approach to Warren would suggest he’ll be used more after seeing his 77 carries and 28 catches as a rookie improve to 149 carries and 61 catches as a second-year playmaker in 2022. He’s also been more explosive than Harris was last season, and a continuation of that trend would certainly increase his chances.

Still, there is reason for fantasy football managers to be concerned, given the presence of Harris, Fields and the hamstring injury that limited Warren during pre-season.

Until he proves he’s being used enough and is healthy enough, it might be wise to keep him on the bench later in the season.

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