JaylenWarren

News: 7 days agoWarren is listed ahead of free-agent addition Rico Dowdle on the Steelers' initial depth chart ahead of the preseason, Brian Batko of the team's official site reports.

Spin: As the incumbent starter, it's not surprising to see Warren's name atop the team's first posted depth chart, but Batko notes that coach Mike McCarthy is looking for a balanced backfield approach with a 1-2 punch, and Dowdle will no doubt see his share of touches in tandem with Warren. Also in the mix for depth slotting behind the top duo are Kaleb Johnson, Lew Nichols, Travis Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich, but from a fantasy perspective, Warren and Dowdle, while working in what could turn into a 1A/1B situation are the names to know in the team's backfield ahead of Week 1.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Warren reached career-high marks in touches (251), yardage (1,291) and touchdowns (eight) last season, his fourth in the league. The former undrafted free agent put up 13.6 fantasy points per game (19th among backs) and PFF tracked him with 56 forced missed tackles (seventh). Pittsburgh swapped out Kenneth Gainwell for Rico Dowdle as Warren's running mate, and the two are expected to split work in a Mike McCarthy offense that rarely deploys its backs in the passing game. Warren is capable and effective as a rusher and receiver, but his ceiling figures to be limited in this committee. He's likely to cap out as a flex.