Jaylen Warren Exits With Painful Leg Injury, Raising Urgent Questions for Steelers After Bengals Los. DH

The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt an unsettling blow on Sunday as running back Jaylen Warren exited the AFC North showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals with a leg injury, raising immediate concerns about one of the team’s most explosive offensive weapons. The injury occurred late in the second quarter after Warren was wrapped up on a short run and remained on the ground, visibly frustrated as trainers rushed to assist him.

Warren was able to walk to the sideline under his own power, but he was quickly evaluated in the blue medical tent before being escorted to the locker room for further testing. The Steelers initially listed him as questionable to return, though team insiders noted the injury “did not look minor,” and the coaching staff appeared cautious about sending him back onto the field.

Before the injury, Warren showcased the same burst and toughness that have made him a breakout star this season. Known for his ability to turn minimal space into chunk plays, he had already picked up multiple first downs and delivered a critical spark to a sluggish Steelers offense. His absence forced Pittsburgh to lean more heavily on Najee Harris and adjust their offensive rhythm against a Bengals defense already keying in on the run.

Head coach Mike Tomlin offered a brief update at halftime, acknowledging Warren’s importance to the team.

“Jaylen is a fighter. We’ll evaluate him fully after the game, but obviously losing him changes what we do offensively,” Tomlin said.

The injury comes at a particularly difficult time for Pittsburgh, who entered Week 11 in the thick of a tight AFC playoff race. Warren has been instrumental in that push, forming one of the league’s most effective one-two backfield combinations with Harris and serving as a reliable target in the passing game.

Around the league, analysts immediately voiced concern. Several noted that Warren’s physical running style—while a hallmark of his success—often exposes him to dangerous hits in crowded traffic. His durability had been one of his strengths, making the sight of him walking gingerly toward the tunnel even more alarming.

As the Steelers await imaging results, the organization and fan base hold their breath. A prolonged absence could force Pittsburgh to reshape its offensive identity and put added pressure on the passing game. For now, the team is hoping for the best but preparing for the possibility that one of its most dynamic players may miss critical weeks ahead.

Updates are expected to be released following postgame evaluations.