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Steelers starter dealing with illness ahead of wild-card game

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 7:26 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers survived with a 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the final game of the regular season on Sunday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tyler Loop’s missed field goal as time expired gave the Steelers the victory, the AFC North division title and a home playoff game against the Houston Texans.

Unfortunately, Steelers starting running back Jaylen Warren was absent from practice on Thursday due to an illness.

He was then spotted in the locker room after wearing a mask and gloves.

The Steelers are in a good spot from a health standpoint going into Monday.

Jaylen Warren was ill today and DNP. He was wearing a mask and gloves in the locker room.

Cam got a rest day.

Everyone else full go. pic.twitter.com/O623paPZwP
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) January 8, 2026

Warren is the Steelers’ leading rusher this season with 958 yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries.

On December 21 against the Detroit Lions, Warren had 143 yards with a pair of touchdowns in the 29-24 win at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

The departure of Najee Harris opened the door for Warren to be the starting RB, and he had also caught 40 passes for 333 yards and a pair of scores. His biggest highlight came against the Los Angeles Chargers when he hurdled a defender.

If Warren isn’t able to suit up, Kenneth Gainwell figures to be the RB1, but the good news is there is still time for Warren to recover.

The Steelers host the Texans on Monday night at Heinz Field with the game on ABC.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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