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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren practiced fully Friday, reported his ailing knee felt well and he felt as if he was healthy enough to return to action for Sunday’s game at the Las Vegas Raiders.
His head coach agreed.
“He’s on a good trajectory on the upswing,” Mike Tomlin said after Friday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, “and I’m feeling optimistic about his inclusion.”
Warren, something of the “1A’ at running back for the Steelers along with starter Najee Harris, has missed the past two games. Tomlin on Tuesday had lumped him in with players he termed “doubtful” to play against the Raiders, so that he made it through three practices was a pleasant surprise.
Warren was listed as limited on the league-mandated injury report for the practices Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, he confirmed he did a full day’s work in addition to taking reps with the first team.
“I feel great,” Warren said after practice. “I feel good. Whatever (coaches) decide, I am gonna go with that plan. … I just got (to run) the plays (at practice) that they felt like I needed. It was (positive).”
With veteran Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) also out, the Steelers promoted Aaron Shampklin to the active roster and, last week against Dallas, elevated Jonathan Ward from the practice squad, so each could supplement Harris at running back.
“Jaylen is great just because of the type of player he is: physical,” right tackle Broderick Jones said. “He’s not afraid to run people over. He’s not afraid to pick up the linebacker blitzing through the ‘A’ gap if need be. I feel like Jaylen has the full package in his game, and he understands the way he plays. Everybody knows he’s a contributor to this offense, so we’re excited to get him back.”