Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren enters the 2026 fantasy season looking like the Steelers’ lead back, and that matters a lot for his draft value. Pittsburgh’s first preseason depth chart listed him as RB1 ahead of free-agent addition Rico Dowdle, and recent preseason usage has backed that up, with Warren getting the first drive work against the Jets and handling five carries for 17 yards.

The biggest fantasy selling point remains his pass-game role. Even with another back in the room, Warren’s profile still points to dependable weekly flex value in PPR formats because the Steelers appear willing to feature him both on the ground and as a receiver. That kind of usage gives him a safer floor than a pure committee back, especially in games where Pittsburgh is playing from behind or leaning on quick throws.

There is a little competition to monitor, though. Rico Dowdle is the main new back in town, and while Warren has been first on the depth chart, the Steelers’ preseason rotation shows they may still mix and match depending on matchup and game script. That means Warren’s ceiling is probably more “solid RB2/FLEX” than true workhorse unless he separates clearly once the games count.

The good news is that there’s no current sign of a major offseason shakeup, trade, or release affecting his role, and the most recent reports have him healthy enough to suit up in preseason action. For 2026 fantasy drafts, Warren should be viewed as a stable, volume-based target with PPR upside, best valued as a reliable starter rather than a league-winning breakout candidate.