Steelers' Mike McCarthy Reveals Unpopular Jaylen Warren Plan

The Pittsburgh Steelers have leaned heavily on Jaylen Warren with Rico Dowdle sidelined, but Head Coach Mike McCarthy isn't ready to turn that increased workload into a permanent change. Warren has proven capable of handling significant volume and remains one of Pittsburgh's most dangerous offensive weapons. Once Dowdle is healthy, however, McCarthy still appears committed to utilizing both running backs rather than turning Warren into a traditional bell cow.

Dowdle is continuing to make progress from his injury, although McCarthy didn't commit to the veteran running back returning this week. Pittsburgh's situation has created opportunities for some of the younger players behind Warren, something McCarthy sounded interested in exploring while Dowdle works his way back. Eventually, though, the Steelers expect to have their established one-two combination available again.

That creates an interesting question because of how much Pittsburgh has trusted Warren with Dowdle unavailable. Steelers insider Brooke Pryor asked McCarthy whether Warren's increased volume could result in him becoming more of a bell cow even after Dowdle returns. Before addressing that long-term question, McCarthy provided the latest on Dowdle's recovery.

"Rico had a good workout, I think it was Friday," McCarthy said. "I know he is making progress, but I'm excited about our young guys. I don't have a status on Rico for this week, but I think it's time to give these young guys a chance."

Until Dowdle returns, Warren should continue having plenty of opportunities to impact Pittsburgh's offense. What happens afterward might be a little less exciting for Steelers fans who want to see Warren receive as many carries as possible. McCarthy doesn't appear interested in allowing a productive stretch to convince him that Pittsburgh should abandon the benefits of using multiple running backs.

There is logic behind that approach. It's always tempting to believe that if Warren produces with a certain number of opportunities, giving him even more carries will automatically result in even more production. Running back workloads don't necessarily work that way across an entire NFL season. Every additional carry comes with another hit, another pile and more wear on a player's body.

That's particularly important with a player Pittsburgh wants available when the most meaningful portion of the season arrives. McCarthy made that philosophy clear when Pryor asked whether Warren's recent workload had changed how he viewed the distribution of carries once Dowdle returns.

"Frankly, I don't look at it that way," McCarthy said. "I think it's a benefit to Jaylen and Rico to play as a one-two punch. That benefits the most important thing. It's a long year. I'm trying to get the ball to Jaylen as much as we can."

The last sentence is important. McCarthy isn't saying Pittsburgh wants Warren less involved. He specifically acknowledged the Steelers are trying to get Warren the football as much as possible. His hesitation comes with equating increased involvement with simply handing Warren every available rushing opportunity. Those aren't necessarily the same thing.

Steelers Fans Won't Love Warren's Workload When Dowdle Is Back

Having two capable running backs is generally better for the long-term health of both players than forcing one to absorb the punishment of an entire backfield. That might not be the most exciting answer for fans watching Warren consistently make an impact, but McCarthy is responsible for managing an entire season rather than maximizing one player's carries in October.

The legitimate debate begins when deciding which running back provides Pittsburgh with the most value on those opportunities. If Warren is consistently producing more with his touches than Dowdle, McCarthy will inevitably face questions about whether the workload should tilt further toward Warren. A one-two punch doesn't necessarily require an even distribution. Pittsburgh can protect Warren from an overwhelming workload while still recognizing when he deserves to be the primary option.

McCarthy doesn't appear particularly concerned about assigning those labels right now. His focus is getting Dowdle healthy, continuing to involve Warren and eventually restoring the backfield combination Pittsburgh envisioned. That answer probably won't satisfy every Steelers fan who wants Warren receiving the overwhelming majority of the work.