Tyler Warren is a rookie to watch in Week 9 as the Indianapolis Colts (7-1) go on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3).
While Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ defense will be locked in on stopping Jonathan Taylor who is having an MVP type season, their poor defense against in-line tight ends could be exposed in this game as the Steelers rank 30th in receiving yards allowed to players lined up inline according to PFF.
Warren, who has the versatility to lineup anywhere, could have his best game of the season. The Steelers did just trade for safety Kyle Dugger who has covered tight ends during his time with the New England Patriots, but over the last couple of seasons he has struggled at times in pass defense. Expect Colts’ offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter to draw up plays to get Warren into coverage against safeties or favorable matchups against linebackers.
The rookie out of Penn State has been one of the top rookies in the 2025 NFL season with 37 receptions for 492 yards and 3 touchdowns.
What the Steelers are saying about Tyler Warren
The Steelers will be without safeties DeShon Elliott and Jabrill Peppers which will throw Dugger into the fire right away. Mike Tomlin, who knows his secondary will be at a disadvantage, praised what Warren brings to the table and the challenge he presents.
“He’s plug-and-play not only in terms of his playing ability but their utilization of him,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “They use him in a variety of schemes. Get the ball in his hands early and often. Some of the things that you saw on video at Penn State, you see on video (in) Indianapolis. But that’s why you take dynamic players like him that high. He’s been an integral component of what they’ve been able to do offensively. Can’t say enough about it.”
Indianapolis Colts (7-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) game details: How to watch, odds
Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025 | Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium – Pittsburgh, PA
TV: CBS | Live Stream: Fubo TV (try for free)
Betting Odds: Colts -3.5; over/under 50.5 (via DraftKings)
Tyler Warren vs Steelers’ defense
As Tomlin highlighted, Warren presents a huge challenge due to his versatility and ability to play in multiple schemes. The Steelers struggle against inline tight ends, so he could be mostly used there, especially with the Colts featuring the running game led by Taylor. The Steelers’ defense will have to pick their poison in this one. To they take away Taylor or do they try to limit Warren? So far, no team has been able to contain both.
Could the Steelers stick Jalen Ramsey on him? That is a possibility if he goes out wide, but if he is mostly inline or even lines up in the backfield in this game, the emphasis will be on the linebackers and safeties to really stop him from having a big game.
In a bold prediction, Warren will have 100 yards receiving, but in a shootout, the Steelers will come away with a victory at home by the score of 34-27. Warren will also have 8 catches and a touchdown in this game.