The Pittsburgh Steelers rushing attack didn’t fall off too badly against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5 after running back Jaylen Warren was ruled out for a surprise knee issue that popped up on the injury report on Friday. Kenneth Gainwell rushed 19 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns in the Steelers’ 24-21 win over the Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland.
More News: Steelers Linked to WR Trade for Former Aaron Rodgers Teammate
The Steelers listed Warren as questionable to play the Vikings on Friday’s final injury report. But the injury didn’t heal in time for the lead back to make an appearance against Minnesota.
Per Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, the Steelers had a “low concern” regarding the knee issue on Friday and expected him to be available against the Vikings. However, Warren’s symptoms worsened on Saturday and Sunday.
More News: Ravens Put on Blast For Derrick Henry Decision
“After Saturday’s practice, Warren felt ‘discomfort’ as one source described it, and the team chose to push it to a pre-game warmup,” Farabaugh wrote. “While Warren could have gone and played if it were a playoff game, there was still swelling in the knee and discomfort when he would cut, according to sources. As a result, the team chose to hold him out. It is described as a ‘minor sprain’ that the team did not want to make worse by throwing Warren in there.”
Following the game, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told the media that Warren wanted to play in the game, but the coaching staff felt it was “prudent” not to push him in Week 4.
The Steelers have a bye this week, but Warren would be available to play if the team had a game on Sunday. Pittsburgh will next host the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 on Oct. 12.
Warren led the Steelers in rushing with 132 yards on 43 carries before his absence in Week 4. Gainwell now leads Pittsburgh with 154 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries.
After his performance against Minnesota, the Steelers coaching staff should consider giving Gainwell more touches moving forward, regardless of the status of Warren’s knee.
For more on the Steelers and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here