Jaylen Warren Returns from Ankle Injury in Steelers’ 31-28 Loss to Bears
When Jaylen Warren took the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, it wasn’t just a return—it was a statement. The 26-year-old running back, sidelined just six days earlier after rolling his ankle in a Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, carried the ball 18 times for 68 yards and a touchdown in a gritty 31-28 loss. He didn’t just play. He proved he belonged. And in a season where the Steelers’ offense has sputtered without a healthy Aaron Rodgers, Warren’s presence was the only consistent spark.
From Sideline to Starter: A Rapid Recovery
Warren’s injury came late in the Steelers’ 27-20 victory over the Bengals on November 17, 2025, at Paycor Stadium. He was tackled awkwardly, his right ankle twisted under the weight of two defenders. He limped off, then returned for one final drive. The team called it precautionary. The medical staff called it a sprain—no ligament damage, no fracture. Just pain, swelling, and uncertainty. By Wednesday, November 20, he didn’t practice. By Thursday, he was limited. Then came Friday: full participation. No injury designation. No restrictions. The Steelers’ training staff, led by head athletic trainer Tom Toner, had worked fast. Warren credited his routine—ice, compression, and the kind of stubborn mental grit that separates NFL backs from the rest. "I could’ve played Sunday," he told reporters after the Bengals game. "But they’re looking out for me. We’ve got a long way to go."The Quarterback Conundrum
While Warren was cleared, the same couldn’t be said for Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old quarterback, managing a fractured left wrist, was listed as questionable—and then, on game day, inactive. Rodgers had been struggling to take snaps from under center, his non-throwing hand wrapped in a brace that limited his grip. "It’s a safety thing," he’d said earlier in the week. "Not about pain. About doing my job right." Without Rodgers, the Steelers turned to backup Kenny Pickett, who threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns but also two interceptions. The offense moved in fits and starts. The Bears’ defense, missing their top three linebackers, was supposed to be vulnerable. But Pittsburgh’s line struggled to open holes consistently—until Warren found his rhythm.Warren’s Three-Game Streak
Warren’s 18 carries tied his season high. His 68 yards marked his third straight game crossing the 60-yard mark. And his one-yard touchdown plunge in the second quarter? It was his fourth of the season. He’s now the Steelers’ leading rusher with 712 yards on 152 carries. More than that, he’s become their most reliable offensive weapon. He caught five passes against the Bears, including a critical 12-yard screen on third-and-8 that kept a fourth-quarter drive alive. "He’s not just a runner," said Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ head coach, after the game. "He’s a playmaker. When the quarterback’s not there, you need guys who can make something out of nothing. Jaylen does that without asking for the spotlight."The Bigger Picture: AFC North Tensions
The loss dropped the Steelers to 6-5, but they still lead the AFC North by a single game over the Baltimore Ravens. With six games left, every contest matters. The Bears, at 4-7, were playing for pride—and they played like it. Their rookie linebacker, T.J. Carter, had two sacks and forced a fumble. Their defense, thin at linebacker, still held the Steelers to 31 points—well below their season average. The Steelers’ front office, officially Pittsburgh Professional Football Club, Inc., has quietly leaned on Warren as their offensive anchor. With Rodgers out, and wide receiver George Pickens still working back from a hamstring strain, Warren has become the engine. He’s averaging 4.7 yards per carry, has 22 receptions, and hasn’t fumbled since Week 3.What’s Next?
Warren is expected to play in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills, a game that could define the Steelers’ playoff hopes. Rodgers, meanwhile, is listed as day-to-day. Tomlin said he’s "optimistic" the veteran will return for that game. "We’re not giving up on him," Tomlin said. "But we’re not betting the season on one man either." The Steelers’ offense, for now, runs through Jaylen Warren. And if he keeps this up, the rest of the league might need to start paying attention.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jaylen Warren’s ankle injury impact the Steelers’ offensive strategy?
Warren’s absence in Week 11 forced the Steelers to rely on Kenneth Gainwell, who delivered 82 yards and two touchdowns in relief. But with Warren back, the offense regained its balance—especially in short-yardage and third-down situations. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and break tackles made the offense more unpredictable, even without Aaron Rodgers. The coaching staff now sees him as a two-down player capable of handling 20+ touches per game.
Why was Aaron Rodgers inactive despite being listed as questionable?
Rodgers’ left wrist fracture, sustained in Week 10, made it unsafe for him to take snaps under center or handle the ball reliably. Though he practiced lightly, the medical staff determined the risk of re-injury outweighed the benefit. The team opted to protect their long-term asset, especially with a backup (Kenny Pickett) who could manage the offense adequately in a low-stakes road game against a struggling defense.
What’s the significance of Warren’s three consecutive 60-yard rushing games?
It’s the first time a Steelers running back has achieved that since Le’Veon Bell in 2017. More importantly, it shows consistency under pressure. With a shaky offensive line and an injured quarterback, Warren has become the most reliable source of offense. His streak includes games against strong defenses like Cincinnati and now Chicago, proving he’s not just a matchup player—he’s a cornerstone.
How does Warren’s performance affect the Steelers’ playoff chances?
With Warren healthy, the Steelers have a realistic path to the playoffs—even without Rodgers. His ability to control the clock and convert third downs keeps the defense off the field. If he continues averaging 4.5+ yards per carry and catches 5+ passes per game, Pittsburgh can win close games in January. Without him, they’re too reliant on turnovers and special teams—something that rarely wins championships.
What’s the history of running backs carrying the Steelers offense during quarterback injuries?
In 2015, Le’Veon Bell carried the team through Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension, rushing for over 1,000 yards in the final eight games. In 2020, James Conner stepped up after Roethlisberger’s injury, helping Pittsburgh reach the playoffs. Warren’s current role mirrors those moments—when the quarterback’s out, the running game becomes the identity. The Steelers’ culture has always valued toughness over glamour, and Warren embodies that.
Will Jaylen Warren’s performance lead to a contract extension?
Absolutely. Warren is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. With 712 rushing yards and 22 receptions this season, he’s outperforming his draft slot (fourth round, 2022). The Steelers have already extended T.J. Hockenson and Minkah Fitzpatrick this year. Warren’s value as a dual-threat back makes him a priority for an extension before the 2026 season—possibly with a guarantee of $8–10 million.