Jaylen Warren Rushes For NFL Career-High in Thursday Night Loss to Cleveland Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell on Thursday to the Cleveland Browns, 29-17, but former OSU star Jaylen Warren did his part serving as the thunder to Najee Harris’ lightning coming out of the backfield. Warren got four rushing attempts on the night — second-most on the team — and made the most of it with 30 yards rushing on the evening for a cool 7.5 yards per carry. He also had one reception for three yards. Another explosive play he had was called back on penalty.

Warren went undrafted earlier this year but quickly made an impression on the Steelers and their coaching staff, culminating earlier this fall by taking over the No. 2 job in the backfield behind Harris and ahead of former draft picks Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell. He has played fewer than 40% of snaps in each of the team’s first three games, but he has consistently been someone the team turns to both in the running game and in the passing game.

Warren had three carries for 7 yards in Week 1 followed by four carries for 15 yards in Week 2 before amassing a career-high 30 yards rushing on Thursday (and 33 yards total). That production was on limited opportunities, but it does seem that people are noticing just how efficient and explosive he can be when the team gives him chances.

Warren put the ball on the turf in the first half and didn’t see many chances in the second half — likely a message trying to be sent by the coaching staff because he has had some fumbling issues dating back to the preseason — but he continues to look like an electric talent for the Steelers in challenging former first-round pick Najee Harris for more work.