Pittsburgh Steelers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was limited during Wednesday's practice, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since Week 3 after suffering a knee injury early in that game. The 25-year-old was initially deemed doubtful for this weekend's game, according to his head coach, Mike Tomlin, but seeing him participate in practice early in the week is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Warren can suit up against the Las Vegas Raiders, he should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats, given his pass-catching ability. If he cannot play, Najee Harris should see a heavy workload with Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) already ruled out.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in practice for the first time in over a month on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson suffered a calf injury before the season opener, which allowed Justin Fields to take over starting duties. While fantasy managers should still expect Fields to remain the starting QB for the time being, Wilson could eventually take over the job in the coming weeks, given that he is now at full strength. Last week, Fields went 15-for-27 in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys and threw for just 131 yards. Fantasy managers in superflex formats should consider stashing Wilson, as he could move to the top of the depth chart if Fields continues to struggle.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) is out for Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, while running back Jaylen Warren (knee) is considered doubtful. Both Patterson and Warren missed the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, and it looks like they'll both miss a second straight game this week. Lead back Najee Harris disappointed with 14 carries for 42 yards while catching both of his targets for 35 yards on Sunday night with both Patterson and Warren out. He needs to be in all starting fantasy lineups in Week 6, though, in a smash spot in Vegas with the backfield pretty much all to himself yet again. Warren was a solid weekly flex option in fantasy in 2023, but he hasn't been healthy early on this year and has just 14 carries for 54 yards and five catches for 28 yards in his three games played.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said "load management" was the reason why wide receiver George Pickens was in on just 57 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, which was down nearly 30 percent from the previous week. For comparison, Mark Kaboly cites that top wideouts Mike Evans (87%), Garrett Wilson (96%), Justin Jefferson (95%) and Brandon Aiyuk (92%) were all much more involved for their respective teams. The 23-year-old Pickens had only three catches on seven targets for 26 yards. Pickens has yet to score a touchdown through five weeks of the NFL season and is falling to WR3/flex status on a weekly basis in this Steelers offense. He currently ranks as the WR38 in half-PPR scoring with 23 receptions for 310 yards in five contests. The good news is he has a good bounce-back opportunity in Week 6 against the Raiders.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is set to be a full participant at practice this week, which means "a door is ajar" for him to be active in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. It's good news for Wilson, but there are lots of variables still to be determined during practice this week. Wilson will work with the second-team offense this week "as to not disrupt Justin Fields' preparation," Tomlin said. "He's at the point of health now that he can work without restriction on Wednesday," Tomlin said. Fields is fully expected to make a sixth straight start in Vegas this Sunday, but the 35-year-old Wilson could be his direct backup instead of being inactive as the emergency third QB on game day. Wilson is improving, but a lot still needs to happen for the Steelers to change course and bench Fields as their starter under center.