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What role will Rico Dowdle Play If He Returns in Week 6?
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) enters a Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a questionable designation due to a toe injury. Dowdle has missed each of the past three games. He was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice before being upgraded to a full participant on Thursday and Friday. Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said earlier this week that he expects Dowdle to return in Week 6, and the full practice sessions are encouraging, but Dowdle's status still needs to be monitored before Sunday's 1 p.m. Eastern Time kickoff. Dowdle was highly inefficient in the first two games of the season. He has tallied 15 carries for 37 rushing yards (2.5 yards per carry), while adding four catches for 28 yards (7.0 yards per reception) so far in 2026. He has not yet recorded a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren has seemed to take over as Pittsburgh's unquestioned starter with Dowdle out. However, if Dowdle is active, expect him to get a fair share of touches. Still, it might be best to leave Dowdle on the bench until his role becomes clearer. He is RotoBaller's No. 37 running back for Week 6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Questionable Despite Full Practices
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is questionable for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite practicing in full on Thursday and Friday. Dowdle has missed three consecutive games since injuring his toe against New England in Week 2, but his progression from a limited session Wednesday to consecutive full practices is encouraging. He recorded 37 rushing yards on 15 carries and caught four passes for 28 yards across his first two games. Jaylen Warren has taken control of the Pittsburgh backfield during Dowdle's absence, most recently totaling 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis in Week 5. Warren's production gives the Steelers little reason to rush Dowdle into a substantial role, even if he's cleared to return. Fantasy managers should keep Dowdle on the bench until there's a clearer picture of how Pittsburgh intends to distribute its backfield touches.
Source: Riley Holsinger
Source: Riley Holsinger
Jaylen Warren Still a Strong RB1 Despite Tough Matchup in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is enjoying a breakout campaign, ranking as the fantasy RB9 through the first five weeks, and should continue to produce against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The bad news for Warren is that Tampa Bay is giving up the third-fewest yards per carry and fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs. On the plus side, however, the Buccaneers have surrendered the fourth-most receptions to the position. Warren has seen at least four targets in every game this season and secured nine of 12 targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the past two weeks. With Pittsburgh incredibly thin at wide receiver, as Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) are all out and DK Metcalf (illness) is questionable, Warren should be heavily involved in the passing game on Sunday. He may cede some opportunities to teammate Rico Dowdle (toe) if he returns, but Warren remains locked in as a fantasy RB1 given his recent performances and workload.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Logs Full Practice on Thursday, Poised for Week 6 Return?
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) practiced in full on Thursday, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Dowdle has been sidelined since Week 2 with a toe injury, but it appears he could be trending toward returning in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before suffering the injury, Dowdle recorded 65 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches across two games. The 28-year-old was splitting backfield work relatively evenly with fellow Steelers back Jaylen Warren. However, Warren has taken off as the lead back in Dowdle's absence, totaling 490 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns over the past three weeks. While Dowdle will surely play a role in the Steelers' offense upon his return, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload while Warren remains healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Jaylen Warren is the Steelers' Featured Player Right Now
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has become the team's featured player over the last three weeks with Rico Dowdle sidelined with a dislocated toe. Head coach Mike McCarthy called Warren "our featured player" on Monday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. The 27-year-old has really stepped up for Pittsburgh's offense with more touches, going for 490 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the last three games on 61 touches. McCarthy envisioned more of a 50-50 split with Warren and Dowdle going into the regular season, but Dowdle's toe injury might have McCarthy rethinking his backfield plan for the rest of the season. Dowdle has a shot to return this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, but even if he does, Warren has worked his way into must-start status in all fantasy football leagues. Going into Week 6, Warren has been a top-10 back with 70 carries for 410 yards and a touchdown while adding 19 receptions for 230 yards and another score through the air. The former undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State is easily on pace for his first 1,000-yard rushing season if he can stay healthy.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Steelers Expect Rico Dowdle to Return in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said on Monday that he expects running back Rico Dowdle (toe) to return in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Head coach Mike McCarthy continues to say that Dowdle is close after missing each of the last three games due to a dislocated toe. Warren has taken advantage of his increased opportunity over that span with Dowdle sidelined, carrying the ball 49 times for 321 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and a touchdown while adding 12 catches on 16 targets for 169 yards and another score through the air. McCarthy had visions of a split backfield with Dowdle and Warren going into the 2026 season, but upon Dowdle's return, fantasy managers should expect a smaller role given Warren's dominance and a bigger workload. The 28-year-old struggled in his first two games for the Steelers before getting hurt, rushing the ball 15 times for only 37 yards while catching four passes for 28 yards. If Dowdle is officially cleared for Week 6, he will be a tough sell as an RB3/flex.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Jaylen Warren has Earned a Bigger Role in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has made a statement in the last three weeks as the workhorse RB1 for Pittsburgh with Rico Dowdle out due to a toe injury. Warren became the first player since Herschel Walker in 1986 to record a 50-yard touchdown run and an 80-yard touchdown catch in the same game in Sunday's Week 5 win over the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. He had 15 carries for 101 rushing yards and added six catches on six targets for 87 receiving yards and the two touchdowns. It was the third straight week (with Dowdle out) that Warren has had at least 125 all-purpose yards. No Steelers player has done that since James Conner did it four weeks in a row in 2018. Since Week 3, Warren has played at least 85% of the offensive snaps. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the Steelers hope to get Dowdle back in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he also admitted that Warren has been thriving with a heavier workload. "He's hauling it right now for us. There's a number you'd like to continue to give him. He's produced, so it's been heavy. It'd be great to get Rico back this week, too," McCarthy said. Dowdle's eventual return will hurt Warren's overall fantasy ceiling, but he has earned more touches in the Steelers' backfield.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Jaylen Warren Goes Wild In Win Against Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had a monster day in Sunday's victory against the Indianapolis Colts, compiling 188 total yards and two touchdowns. The fifth-year back caught six passes for 87 yards, doing almost all of his receiving damage with an 80-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. He followed that up with consistent effectiveness on the ground, rushing for 101 yards and a score on 15 carries. It was a banner fantasy performance for Warren, who has taken full advantage of fellow running back Rico Dowdle (toe) being out. Managers should keep an eye on injury reports with Dowdle close to returning ahead of a Week 6 game at Tampa, but Warren has been so reliable that he should continue to be Pittsburgh's top option out of the backfield.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rico Dowdle was "Close" to Playing on Sunday, Hopeful for Week 6 Return
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) was "close" to returning on Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. Pryor added that the team hopes Dowdle can practice this week and be cleared to suit up in Week 6. Head coach Mike McCarthy said, "Having them as a one-two punch was the vision of this offense," but added that Jaylen Warren is "crushing" it right now. While the two split work early in the season, since Dowdle has been on the shelf, Warren has led the entire backfield. He put up another dominant effort in their win over the Colts, totaling 101 rushing yards, 87 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. However, if Dowdle sits out, both running backs would have their fantasy upside capped, with Warren falling in the mid-end RB2 range and Dowdle holding low-end FLEX upside.
Source: Brooke Pryor
Source: Brooke Pryor
Rico Dowdle Inactive for Week 5 Game
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) has officially been ruled out for the Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and will miss a third straight game, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier on Sunday that Dowdle was unlikely to return this weekend, so fantasy managers should keep him on their benches. The 28-year-old was limited in practice all week. His next chance to return to the Steelers' backfield will be in Week 6 on Sunday, Oct. 18, on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Dowdle being out yet again, Jaylen Warren is an absolute must-start in fantasy as the workhorse for Pittsburgh. Dowdle, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2024 and 2025 with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, respectively, is off to a bad start in 2026 in his first year in Pittsburgh due to his toe injury. In his first two games with the team, he had 15 rushing attempts for 37 yards (2.6 yards per carry) and four catches for 28 yards while splitting backfield touches with Warren.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Rico Dowdle Unlikely to Return in Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He is officially listed as questionable, and the team will confirm his status during pregame warmups. Dowdle is trying to work his way back from a toe injury that has sidelined him since the start of Week 3. The 28-year-old hadn't been overly productive prior to his injury, and fantasy managers should be concerned that he has only lost ground to Jaylen Warren over the past couple of weeks. Warren remains a mid-to-high RB2 with Dowdle sidelined. If Dowdle does end up returning next week, he'll likely rank as a low-end RB3/flex in leagues with 12+ teams.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Rico Dowdle Has Slight Pass-Catching Appeal in Potential Return
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) was relatively quiet on offense through the first two weeks of the season, logging just 15 carries and 2.5 yards per carry. On the bright side, he logged five targets in Week 1 and has two catches in each of his two games so far. Dowdle's rushing upside has taken a massive step backward compared to last year, but it was still intriguing to see him remain involved as a receiver when he was healthy and sharing volume with Jaylen Warren. It remains to be seen exactly how much the Steelers will use Dowdle, who is questionable, in his potential return to action on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Warren has made a case for the offense to feed him nonstop, as he has posted 302 scrimmage yards in two games without Dowdle. With that being said, Dowdle could produce if he gets decent volume, as the Colts have allowed the fifth-most receiving yards and ninth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Remains A Fantasy RB1 Heading Into Week 5
Despite scoring zero touchdowns so far this season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been incredibly productive over the past two weeks and should remain heavily involved in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts. Though Rico Dowdle (toe) is listed as questionable and could return to the lineup this week, Warren should continue to operate in a featured role given his recent success. Through the first four weeks of the campaign, Warren ranks ninth in the NFL in rushing yards and seventh among running backs in targets. With Indianapolis allowing the ninth-most fantasy points and fourth-most receiving yards to opposing backs, there is little reason to think Warren can't continue his hot streak. Because heavy rain is possible in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Warren could see an even heavier workload if the conditions prevent quarterback Aaron Rodgers from pushing the ball downfield. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a must-start RB1 in this matchup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle Questionable for Week 5 Against Colts
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Dowdle has missed the past two games after dislocating a toe against New England in Week 2, but he's making progress. He returned to limited practice Wednesday and Thursday after being sidelined for more than two weeks. Jaylen Warren has been excellent in his absence, rushing for 220 yards on 34 carries while adding six catches for 82 yards over the past two games. Head coach Mike McCarthy has indicated he still plans to use both backs when Dowdle returns, although Warren has certainly earned his touches. Dowdle managed just 37 rushing yards on 15 carries before getting hurt. Even if he's cleared for Sunday, his workload could be limited in his first game back, making him a risky fantasy option against the Colts.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Jaylen Warren has Become a Must-Start With Teammate Injured
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has served in a workhorse role for the Steelers in the last two weeks with backfield mate Rico Dowdle (toe) out injured. Warren has yet to find the end zone for Pittsburgh in 2026 through four games, but he has 34 rushing attempts for 220 yards (6.5 yards per attempt) and six catches for 82 yards through the air in the last two games. In the first two weeks with Dowdle involved, Warren handled 21 rushing attempts for 89 yards (4.2 yards per carry) while catching seven passes for 61 yards. The 27-year-old has been the Steelers' clear lead back of late, but head coach Mike McCarthy plans to go back to a committee approach with Warren and Dowdle when Dowdle is cleared to return, possibly as soon as this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. Still, even upon Dowdle's return, Warren will have RB2 upside for his strong start to the 2026 campaign with Dowdle injured.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
