The Pittsburgh Steelers entered this preseason with questions surrounding their backfield hierarchy.
While rookie Kaleb Johnson has created excitement after his third-round selection, veteran Jaylen Warren remains positioned to start the season as the primary running back.
Warren’s ball security issues continue to cast doubt over his role.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes Warren’s job security could be at risk if the fumbling problems persist.
“I could see Warren fumbling. Getting benched. Kaleb Johnson goes in and doesn’t give the job back,” Kaboly said, per Andrew Fillipponi.
.@MarkKaboly believes Jaylen Warren could be in danger of losing his starting job because of his fumbling problems.
“I could see Warren fumbling. Getting benched. Kaleb Johnson goes in and doesn’t give the job back.”
Warren is on notice. pic.twitter.com/TQBXPvqW8k
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 22, 2025
The 26-year-old veteran reminded everyone of his fumbling concerns during Thursday’s preseason finale.
His costly turnover reignited discussions about whether he can be trusted with a featured role when games matter.
Warren has put the ball on the ground seven times across 473 total touches during his three NFL seasons.
He fumbled twice last year on 158 carries and catches. His most damaging mistake came against Washington on November 10, when he lost the ball at the one-yard line.
Pittsburgh won that game by a single point, making the turnover even more glaring.
Johnson sits third on the current depth chart behind Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. The rookie impressed during last Saturday’s preseason action and many view him as a future starter.
Warren’s recent preseason performance included two drops and a fumble across just eight offensive snaps.
Some of Warren’s struggles might stem from offseason rust. However, his track record suggests the fumbling issues run deeper than simple timing problems.
If Warren continues to struggle with ball security, calls for Johnson to receive more opportunities will only grow louder.
The rookie has already shown he can handle increased responsibility.
NEXT: Steelers Receive Encouraging Injury Update On Key Defender
