Steelers Now
Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin explained why running back Jaylen Warren was inactive.
Warren was dealing with a knee injury all week, and was limited in the team’s practice sessions in both Pittsburgh and Dublin, Ireland. Though listed as questionable, Warren was expected to suit up, and took early warmups at Croke Park before being declared inactive.
“Jaylen was a pregame decision. That’s why we listed him as questionable. He worked out prior to the game. We just didn’t feel good enough,” Tomlin said. “We didn’t want to put him in a uniform and then he wouldn’t be able to finish and then you’re working a guy short. So, we worked him out, and that’s where we settled. Jaylen is a tough guy. He wanted to do it. I just thought it was prudent not to.”
Through three games, Warren was Pittsburgh’s top offensive weapon by far, leading the team in both rushing (132 yards) and receiving (142 yards) through three games.
Kenneth Gainwell stepped up against Minnesota, rushing for 99 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith utilized tight end Darnell Washington and an extra offensive lineman in Spencer Anderson to help bolster the run game.
“I also got a great deal of confidence in Kenny Gainwell, and he showed you why,” Tomlin said. “A top-notch competitor and professional. He’s been a great asset to us, man. In the running game and out of the backfield, he’s a football player first. I appreciate his efforts today.”
Gainwell has had a role in Pittsburgh’s offense through the first three weeks of the season, toting the rock 16 times for 55 yards and a score. However, with Warren sidelined, he was given a chance to show he deserves to be a starter in the NFL.
“It was most definitely the most work I’ve had over the past two years,” Gainwell said. “I’m not greedy. I’m happy we came out with the win, but at the same time, I’m just thankful.”
It was quite the impressive performance by Gainwell because he didn’t know he was going to play such a large role in the offense until Warren was officially ruled out one and a half hours until kickoff.
“I didn’t know until right up to the game,” Gainwell said. “Got to be ready when you get to be ready.”
Gainwell isn’t taking all the credit for his big day, though. He wanted to shine line on his offensive line, too.
“I gave a shoutout to the O-line,” Gainwell said. “Those guys was good up front and I was being patient and reading them.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Mike Tomlin Explains Why Jaylen Warren Did Not Play vs. Vikings
