{
  "id": 14222469,
  "title": "Why Aaron Rodgers wants Jaylen Warren as Steelers' clear RB1",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/why-aaron-rodgers-wants-jaylen-warren-as-steelers-clear-rb1",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T14:50:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/why-aaron-rodgers-wants-jaylen-145011809.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After a convincing 34-22 triumph over the Indianapolis Colts, a stark contrast has surfaced within the Pittsburgh Steelers' ranks over the role of their starting running back. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers emphatically advocates for Jaylen Warren to assume a more prominent role, while head coach Mike McCarthy remains hesitant to officially designate him as the team's primary back. Warren's remarkable performance in the game against Indianapolis is noteworthy, as he achieved the first 80-yard touchdown reception and 50-yard run by any player since Herschel Walker. On the \"Snap Count\" podcast, co-host Trai Essex pointed out Rodgers' clear preference after the victory. When your veteran quarterback, a 42-year-old multi-MVP future Hall of Famer, says post-game, \"The only thing we need to do is get 30 to ball more,\" you should heed his advice. Warren's impressive play has not gone unnoticed, but McCarthy's statements at the press conference suggested he intends to reintegrate Rico Dowdle into the lineup once he recovers from injury. Co-host Charlie Batch expressed disappointment with McCarthy's reluctance to establish Warren as the undisputed starter. He stated, \"I would have liked to have heard Coach McCarthy say, 'no, Jaylen is our guy and we'll work Rico D in when he gets healthy.' He didn't say that. He said, 'When Rico's back, we'll put him back in.' Come on, coach. This guy has earned the spot.\" Warren's historical efficiency, coupled with his strong chemistry with the offensive line, makes a compelling case for him to remain the focal point of the Steelers' backfield. Ultimately, McCarthy must find a balance between his backfield hierarchy and fulfilling the expectations of his future Hall of Fame quarterback.",
  "summary": "Aaron Rodgers calls for more touches for Jaylen Warren after his historic performance, clashing with Mike McCarthy’s backfield plan.",
  "key_points": [
    "Aaron Rodgers favors Jaylen Warren as Steelers' primary RB1.",
    "Quarterback's veteran status and Hall of Fame potential noted.",
    "Coach McCarthy hesitant to officially make Warren starter."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}