Jaylen Warren delivered a standout performance in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts, scoring on a 50-yard run and an 80-yard reception in the same game. He became the first player since Herschel Walker in 1986 to accomplish that feat, and his energy drew praise from quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Warren finished with 15 carries for 101 rushing yards, six receptions for 87 receiving yards and two touchdowns, totaling 188 all-purpose yards. It marked his third straight week with at least 125 all-purpose yards, a streak no Steelers player had matched in three weeks since James Conner in 2018. Meanwhile, the Steelers' defense held Colts running back Jonathan Taylor to 45 yards on 15 carries.
Warren's bigger role has come with the absence of Rico Dowdle, who is recovering from a twice-dislocated toe suffered in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Since Week 3, Warren has played at least 85% of the offensive snaps. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the team hopes Dowdle can return in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he praised Warren's heavy workload and performance.
Warren, an undrafted rookie free agent in 2022, has mostly shared the backfield throughout his career. He said he has always believed in himself regardless of his role, and he is embracing the opportunity while Dowdle recovers.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing