Steelers plan to give Jaylen Warren more carries to aid injured Najee Harris

The Steelers plan to use rookie running back Jaylen Warren more to protect Najee Harris’ health. Harris suffered a sprained left foot against the Bengals in Weel 1 and was seen wearing a protective boot afterward. He doesn't mind if Warren gets some of the workload.

“He’s actually helping me out to get me off the field a lot on some downs to get out of extra hits,” Harris said in a Wednesday news conference. “I think last year I played the most snaps in the NFL. Going into the second year, I can't do that, especially for a running back. It's too violent.”

Harris had suffered a similar left foot injury during training camp, and Warren stepped in and took the majority of carries. Warren will take snaps against the Patriots on Sunday, but Harris still plans to play.

“I mean it’s part of the sport,” Harris said. “I mean it's a little injury. I got hurt plenty of times, you know?”

Harris was the only Steeler who scored an offensive touchdown against the Bengals. Last year he set the rookie franchise record for rushing yards.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will be cautious with Harris. 

“Naj is really optimistic, it's good to be young,” said Tomlin in a Tuesday news conference.“He’s a talented guy, but he's a young guy, and I'm going to want to see some work from him.”

The Steelers offense didn’t produce big numbers against the Bengals. The Bengals had more total yards (432) than the Steelers (267).