Pre-Season Outlook

Some backup running backs can only scale up their usage to that of a backup's workload - a limited snap count, a limited carry count, etc. - but Warren is the category of running back whose game likely translates both off the bench and as a starter. For the meantime the Steelers use Warren off the bench, with starter Najee Harris taking most of the carries in a run-heavy offense, and Warren showed last year that he can provide mainstream fantasy utility even with his workload somewhat contained. There's also reason to believe that Warren would hold up fine if his workload were to escalate for whatever reason. Warren was a workhorse runner at both Oklahoma State and Utah State in college, and at 5-foot-8, 215 pounds he has the bowling-ball build ideal for withstanding contact. It's true that Warren is unlikely to unseat Harris as the starter any time soon, but injuries are a part of the game and Warren would likely withstand the increased workload if Harris is ever limited or unavailable. As much as the Pittsburgh offense remains unexciting overall, the arrival of quarterback Russell Wilson should lead to more points, raising the upside of all fantasy assets in the Pittsburgh offense from previous years.