In 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers boasted one of the least explosive offenses in the NFL. With a seemingly outdated scheme and overall lack of talent, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers only had so much to work with. One position group that the offense seemed to survive on was the running backs. The duo of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell was an elite 1-2 punch. They impressed so much that Gainwell was voted as the team's MVP after leading the group in catches with 73. This offseason, Gainwell left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signing a two-year, $14 million contract.
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Steelers running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren celebrate a big-time score against the Detroit Lions in Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season.
In a corresponding move, the Steelers went out and signed Rico Dowdle in free agency. Dowdle is a solid replacement for Gainwell and may even be the better player. Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1-000-yard seasons and has familiarity with Mike McCarthy's offensive scheme. Gainwell proved in 2025 that he was a very good player, but he has a skill set similar to Warren's, who is under contract through the 2027 season. Having two primary receiving backs may not be optimal for McCarthy's scheme, which is why the Steelers decided to let Gainwell walk.
With Gainwell leading the team in receptions and being a security blanket for Rodgers, he leaves behind a massive hole in production. Recently, former Steelers linebacker Vince Williams appeared on Steeler Nation Radio, where he made a very bold take regarding replacing Gainwell's production. Williams believes Dowdle is more than capable of filling the hole left behind, and perhaps even better.
"He's a very physical punisher running back," Williams explained. "He's very fast too. I think he's going to make an immediate impact in the running game, so I don't think we're going to miss our MVP that much."
The Steelers were very good at using both running backs last season; they produced in their own ways. Warren handled most of the early downs, while Gainwell served as more of a receiving threat and even played some special teams. Dowdle is more of a runner between the tackles, meaning he might take over Warren's role. McCarthy will have to find a way to get both players involved as much as possible without minimizing Warren's snaps.
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Steelers QB Will Howard hands the football off to running back Rico Dowdle during the voluntary veteran offseason workouts.
Dowdle saw great success in McCarthy's offense in 2024, and when McCarthy was relieved of his duties, he signed with the Carolina Panthers. Despite the new system, Dowdle was able to take a stranglehold in the backfield even with Chuba Hubbard present and on a nice contract. He now gets to rejoin his former head coach, this time with a future Hall of Fame quarterback, and perhaps the best offensive line of his career.
Steelers' Running Backs Gearing Up For A Big Season
The Steelers have heavily invested in the offensive line since the 2023 NFL Draft, and it's paid off not only for the quarterbacks, but also for the running backs. Previously, the ball carrier would often be hit behind the line, sometimes resulting in a loss of yards. That no longer happens nearly as often; the running backs actually have space to work with. The offensive line has only gotten better since 2024 and should take a nice leap this upcoming season.
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Steelers offensive linemen Troy Fautanu (76) and Mason McCormick (66) set up prior to the ball being snapped while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
They also get to play for a great offensive mind with McCarthy. McCarthy has seen great success as a head coach, often fielding a premier offense in the NFL. He has shown the ability to adapt his scheme when he went to the Dallas Cowboys, and he can do it again with the Steelers. Between playing behind a good offensive line and playing for an offensive guru, the Steelers running backs should have a huge season.
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