Jaylen Warren missed a practice with an illness but returned fully the next day, preserving Pittsburgh’s two-back run threat. Expect the Steelers to lean on Warren and Kenneth Gainwell vs. Houston’s elite defense — bettors should consider Warren rushing/player props or a Steelers rushing-heavy game script that could push the total lower.
Steelers get encouraging health update ahead of Wild Card
The Steelers entered Wild Card Weekend with a mostly clean bill of health, but starting running back Jaylen Warren sat out the team's first practice with an illness. The concern was short-lived: after a day off, Warren returned as a full participant and is expected to be available for the matchup at Acrisure Stadium.
Warren’s breakout season cements his role
Warren has delivered a breakout year, carrying 211 times for 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 16 games, a 4.5-yard average. He’s been extremely effective in space, catching 40 passes on 45 targets for 333 receiving yards and two scores. His 1,291 all-purpose yards and eight total touchdowns make him a co-weapon alongside Kenneth Gainwell in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Run game focus vs. Texans’ stingy defense
Houston ranks among the NFL’s best defenses, allowing just over 277 yards per game — the lowest league average — and sitting fourth in both rushing (93.7 yards allowed) and passing (183.5 yards allowed) defenses. The Steelers believe Aaron Rodgers can challenge Houston’s secondary, but the clear path to success will be wearing down the Texans between the tackles with Warren and Gainwell’s one-two punch. How effectively Pittsburgh runs the ball will likely decide the Wild Card outcome.
Betting implications
Warren’s quick return reduces uncertainty around Pittsburgh’s backfield usage, which should push bettors toward rushing and player-prop markets. Favorable bets include Warren rushing yards or attempts props and Steelers team rushing totals. Given Houston’s defensive strength, also weigh tempered expectations—Texans could limit explosive plays—so consider lower game totals or conservative passing props for Pittsburgh.
What to watch on game day
Warren’s snap count and early-game carries — will Pittsburgh commit to the ground game? How Aaron Rodgers handles Houston’s secondary and pressure packages. Texans’ defensive adjustments to dual-back rotations and third-down efficiency.
What Aaron Rodgers is telling Steelers teammates about 'revenge' storyline for Jets game
The Pittsburgh Steelers running back gave everyone something to monitor to start the week.
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