The defensive side of the ball has taken the largest hits on the injury front this season, but the offense might be dealing with one of its first significant injuries.
Jaylen Warren left the Steelers' 37-30 loss to the Bengals in the first quarter Sunday at Acrisure Stadium with a hamstring injury and did not return.
Warren left after making a reception on the sideline, but was slow to get up after the play. He was limping on the sideline when the team trainer came over to evaluate him. The team initially declared him questionable to return, but ruled him out by halftime.
The undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma State has cemented himself as the legitimate No. 2 back behind Najee Harris, racking up 190 yards rushing and 128 more through the air this season. Warren's performance has earned a larger role in the offense. If he is out multiple weeks, it will undoubtedly affect the running game.
Benny Snell Jr. served as Harris' backup during the game, but did not receive any touches.
In addition to Warren, Mason Cole and Miles Boykin left Sunday's game and did not return. Boykin suffered an oblique injury in the first quarter. Cole suffered an injury, somewhere in his "mid-foot" area, as described by Mike Tomlin after the game.
"All those guys will be evaluated," Tomlin said, "and I'll have more information for you at the top of this upcoming week."
Boykin's injury hurts the depth at receiver just a couple weeks after Chase Claypool was shipped to Chicago at the trade deadline. Cole told DK Pittsburgh Sports after the game that he was "fine" and expects to play next week in Indianapolis, but he's been dealing with foot injuries all season.
Mason Cole tells me his foot’s ‘fine’ and that he doesn’t expect to miss time. It’s not fine. I can tell you that. Takes a lot to get him out of there. But I’m sure he’ll be back.
— Dejan Kovacevic (@Dejan_Kovacevic) November 21, 2022
J.C. Hassenauer filled in for Cole at center for the remainder of Sunday's game.
