Should I Drop Jaylen Warren? Fantasy Football Outlook

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has always been a fan favorite among the fantasy football community. Fantasy players have begged the Steelers to make Warren the lead running back for the past two years.

However, Najee Harris remains the No. 1 running back in Pittsburgh. Some had high hopes for Warren after the team hired Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator in the offseason.

Unfortunately, the former undrafted free-agent running back has struggled with injuries this year, starting in the preseason. Is it time for fantasy players to give up on their drop and drop Warren from their team?

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Should I Drop Jaylen Warren?

Warren is the RB53 over the first three weeks, averaging 3.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He has struggled, totaling 14 rushing attempts for 54 yards and zero touchdowns on the ground. Furthermore, his role in the passing game has disappeared, totaling five receptions for 28 receiving yards in three games.

More importantly, Warren suffered a knee injury in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Mike Tomlin is unsure if the third-year running back will play in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. Warren did not practice on Wednesday because of the knee injury.

Lengthy practice report for the Steelers

Notable:

Russell Wilson (calf) - limited
Najee Harris (rest) - DNP
DeShon Elliott (quad) - limited
Jaylen Warren (knee) - DNP
Isaac Seumalo (pec) - limited pic.twitter.com/04bMETHHBw

— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 25, 2024

While fantasy players in deeper leagues can hold onto the former Oklahoma State star and hope he turns it around over the next few weeks, it’s time to drop Warren in standard-size leagues. He hasn’t produced for fantasy players and has struggled to stay healthy.

Who Can I Add Off The Waiver Wire?

One potential replacement option fantasy players can add off the waiver wire is Cordarrelle Patterson. The veteran averaged 8.2 yards per rushing attempt in Week 3, a team-high. Furthermore, he could see his role on offense grow, with Warren likely out this week and Harris possibly dealing with a minor arm injury.

Nobody is talking about it, but with Jaylen Warren getting an MRI. @ohthatsNajee22 reported to have his arm in a sling. 8.2 YPC out of @ceeflashpee84 pic.twitter.com/iGf7lWtyiM

— Matthew Smith (@MatthewF_Smith) September 24, 2024

Another option for fantasy players is Cam Akers. The veteran started in Week 3 with Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce missing the game because of injury. If both running backs are out again this week, Akers has top-10 upside against a poor Jacksonville Jaguars run defense.

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