RicoDowdle

News: 2 days agoDowdle and Jaylen Warren are slated to have regular roles in the Steelers offense during the 2026 season, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Despite Warren being the top incumbent running back in Pittsburgh, Graziano believes that Dowdle is a better bet to handle early downs out of the backfield, not only due to his experience working with new coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas but because of his combined 471 carries over the last two seasons. Both campaigns resulted in more than 1,000 yards on the ground for Dowdle, while Warren has topped out at 958 rushing yards (2025) in his four-year career. Warren does have the advantage in pass-catching chops, with 139 receptions over the last three years. As a result, both players are in line for weekly usage for the Steelers.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Dowdle signed with the Steelers after nearly identical campaigns with the Cowboys in 2024 (1,328 yards and five TDs on 274 touches) and Panthers in 2025 (1,373 yards and seven TDs on 275 touches). He was effective as a rusher (4.57 yards per carry) and fairly busy as a receiver (50 targets both years) en route to finishing just inside the top 25 in fantasy points per game both seasons. Now in Pittsburgh, the 28-year-old is expected to share work with Jaylen Warren. Earning lead-rusher duties could get Dowdle into the weekly flex discussion, but the ceiling will be low and he'll likely need an injury in order to find his way to consistent fantasy output. Consider him for your bench.