The Steelers are getting a key piece of their offense back just in time for Monday Night Football. Running back Jaylen Warren, who was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness, is officially active and ready to go.
Warren was listed as questionable heading into the game, but he’s suited up and available - and that’s big for Pittsburgh. He leads the team with 652 rushing yards on 159 carries, finding the end zone four times this season. His combination of vision, burst, and physicality has made him a steady presence in the Steelers’ backfield, and his availability tonight gives the offense a much-needed boost.
But while Warren is in, the Steelers will be without one of their young defensive anchors. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is inactive due to a knee injury.
He was also questionable leading up to kickoff, but ultimately won’t suit up. Harmon, a first-round pick, has shown flashes of his disruptive potential this season, tallying 22 tackles, two sacks, and four quarterback hits.
His absence leaves a noticeable gap up front for a defense that prides itself on pressure and physicality in the trenches.
Pittsburgh will also be missing several other contributors. Wide receiver Roman Wilson, quarterback Will Howard, offensive lineman Andrus Peat (concussion), defensive tackle Brodric Martin-Rhodes, and star outside linebacker T.J.
Watt (lung) are all inactive. Howard will dress as the team’s emergency third quarterback, available only if both Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph are unable to play.
Of course, Watt’s absence looms largest. The heart of Pittsburgh’s pass rush and a perennial game-wrecker, Watt not being on the field changes the entire dynamic of the Steelers’ defense. His ability to shift momentum with a single play is unmatched, and without him, the Steelers will need others to step up in both leadership and production.
On the other side, the Dolphins come into the game with a few key inactives of their own. Quarterback Quinn Ewers, defensive back Elijah Campbell (ankle/knee), cornerback A.J. Green, offensive lineman Larry Borom (illness), wide receiver Tahj Washington, and defensive tackle Matthew Butler will all be sidelined.
With playoff implications in the air and both teams dealing with injuries to important players, depth and adaptability will be tested under the lights. Warren’s return gives Pittsburgh a leg up offensively, but missing Watt and Harmon on defense could shift the balance. It’s shaping up to be a chess match - one where every move, and every missing piece, matters.