Jaylen Warren injury update: Steelers gets massive bad news on star RB's Week 15 status for MNF

The Pittsburgh Steelers got worrying news ahead of their Week 15 clash against the Miami Dolphins. Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been listed as questionable for the Monday Night Football action.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the news on X, saying the Steelers running back is suffering from an undisclosed illness on Monday.

"Steelers now have added RB Jaylen Warren to the injury report for tonight’s game due to an illness and are listing him as questionable."

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While the Steelers have listed Warren as questionable for the Dolphins clash, the running back is optimistic about starting the game, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

"Jaylen Warren woke up sick and is getting fluids, but I'm told he's optimistic about playing tonight," Pelissero wrote on X.

If Warren is unable to recover from his illness, his backup, Kenneth Gainwell is expected to take the reins of the backfield against the Dolphins. If Gainwell starts on Monday, it will be his first start since Week 4, when he posted 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.

Steelers dealing with sudden injury crisis during crucial stretch

Jaylen Warren has been a crucial piece for the Steelers this season, as the 27-year-old has registered 652 rushing yards and 277 receiving yards with a career-high six touchdowns.

The Steelers will be without star linebacker T.J. Watt, who suffered a collapsed lung during a dry-needling treatment at Pittsburgh's facility. What's absence is a big miss for the Steelers as the seven-time Pro Bowler has 18 quarterback hits and seven sacks in 13 games this season.

His issue comes at a time when the Steelers can't afford to slip as the Baltimore Ravens are hot on their heels in pursuit of their first division title in more than a decade. The Steelers will need to get over the line, even if Jaylen Warren is unavailable, to keep the Ravens at bay.

Meanwhile, a loss against the Dolphins will be a huge blow to Pittsburgh's chances of making the postseason.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash