The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new look on the offensive side of the ball to begin training camp in 2026. It starts with a new offensive system under head coach Mike McCarthy. It is a variation of the West Coast offense that quarterback Aaron Rodgers is quite familiar with. There are also other players on the offense that have experience with McCarthy that are familiar with the system as well. This includes offensive lineman Brock Hoffman, as well as running back Rico Dowdle. Dowdle is going to be splitting carries with Jaylen Warren, and many fans are curious as to what that might look like.
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Steelers running back Rico Dowdle participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in May of 2026.
Warren is used to splitting carries. He did it with Najee Harris throughout the first three seasons of his career, and then again in 2025 with Kenneth Gainwell. He was supposed to be the true starter in 2025, but Gainwell played well enough to earn a fair share of the snaps. It looks like it is going to be another of season of Warren splitting carries.
Another important factor is that this is a new coaching staff, so the group does not have any sort of allegiance to the veteran running back. McCarthy may have some loyalty to Dowdle due to their time together with the Dallas Cowboys.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan on Friday afternoon to discuss the team, and was asked about the split between the two running backs. He believes Dowdle may lead the charge, which could surprise some fans.
"Just guessing, just how they employ them on the field rep wise so far, it looks like he's [Dowdle] going to be the main guy." Kaboly said. "Main guy doesn't mean 90 percent of the snaps. Maybe more so 65-70, that's the way I look at it right now. A lot of talk about how violent of a runner he is. He's quicker than I thought he was, Jaylen Warren is a really good player. They'll both be out there."
This isn't necessarily a bad thing for the Steelers. Both players are extremely talented running backs and both have been productive throughout their careers. They also come from similar backgrounds. Dowdle was undrafted back in 2020, and Warren was undrafted in 2022. They each have carved out nice careers for themselves in the NFL.
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Steelers running back Jaylen Warren during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Dowdle burst onto the scene initially with the Cowboys, and he then went to the Carolina Panthers in 2025 and had another nice season. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons, in two different systems. He has also been productive in the passing game as he has caught 39 passes in each of those seasons.
The only real concern with his game comes in pass protection, which is an area that Warren excels in. This might mean Warren may be more of a third down back in 2026 for the Steelers. Warren has not had quite as successful of a season on the ground as Dowdle, which may hurt him.
Steelers Need Production From Both Running Backs
One thing that has been similar about the teams for the Steelers over the last four seasons is the use of two running backs. The offense has played its best when there are two running backs playing well. It used to be Warren and Harris. In 2025, it was Warren and Gainwell. Warren is the constant, while Dowdle is the new face. The current running back room is probably underrated in the grand scheme of things in the NFL, but it should be touted as one of the best in the league.
Both backs are going to have to find success on the ground and in the passing game. Rodgers relied on checking the ball down to the running back a ton in 2025, and that is something that will likely continue in his old age. Fans want to see the ball move down the field more often in the passing game, but the check downs are important to an efficient offense.
What do you think of the current situation at running back for the Steelers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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