RicoDowdle

News: 7 days agoJaylen Warren is listed ahead of Dowdle on the Steelers' initial posted depth chart ahead of the preseason, Brian Batko of the team's official site reports.

Spin: That said, Batko suggests that coach Mike McCarthy is seeking a balanced backfield approach featuring a 1-2 punch, and Dowdle will no doubt see his share of touches along with Warren this coming season. Kaleb Johnson, Lew Nichols, Travis Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich are currently in the mix for slotting behind the top duo, but from a fantasy standpoint, the Warren and Dowdle combo, a potential 1A/1B scenario, are the players to note in the Pittsburgh's backfield ahead of Week 1.

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 and perhaps second-year back Kaleb Johnson. 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.