The Pittsburgh Steelers saw multiple key offensive players suffer injuries that forced their early exits from the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
First, quarterback Aaron Rodgers sustained a wrist injury that knocked him out for the entire second half. Then, running back Jaylen Warren came down with an ankle issue that also forced his early exit.
After the game, Warren offered an optimistic injury update.
The veteran back noted he could have returned to the game, but the team held him out with an eye on the big picture.
Jaylen Warren injury update
"I could have (returned), but it was part of being smart. We got a lot of games ahead of us, so they’re looking out for me," Warren said, per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com.
Based on that quote, it's clear Warren has a good chance to play in Week 12.
If head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't offer a specific update on Tuesday, we will know more about Warren when the Steelers put out their first injury report on Wednesday.
With Warren sidelined, the Steelers leaned heavily on Kenneth Gainwell, who more than answered the bell with seven receptions for 81 yards and two scores. Gainwell didn't have as much success on the ground, though, with nine carries for 24 yards.
If Warren is forced to sit in Week 12, Gainwell will take lead back duties, but we'll also get an extended look at rookie Kaleb Johnson, who would serve as the RB2 behind Gainwell in that scenario.
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