The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their first padded practice of 2026 training camp. While this year may not be as aggressive as fans are used to, the pads are still popping. This is also the time when Steeler Nation gets to see the offseason investments in true action, rather than just a helmet and protective shirt. The Steelers made plenty of big moves this offseason, including Jamel Dean and Michael Pittman Jr. on three-year deals each, while Rico Dowdle received a two-year contract. There has been plenty of buzz surrounding the organization's new players; some has been good, but there has also been some bad.
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Steelers running back Rico Dowdle participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in May of 2026.
During practice on August 3rd, Dowdle had a miscommunication with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. During a two-minute drill towards the end of practice, Dowdle and Rodgers were clearly not on the same page, leading to an interception by Patrick Queen that ended the drive. With it still early in training camp and the players learning a new offense, miscommunications are to be expected at this time of year.
Not only are players learning a new scheme, but they also have to learn each other. Dowdle and Rodgers have never played as teammates, and with Rodgers being very meticulous with his hand signals and nonverbal communication, the former Carolina Panthers standout running back has to get used to Rodgers' unique style of play.
After practice, Rodgers appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he gave fans a little insight into what exactly happened between him and Dowdle's miscommunication. With Queen playing well off Dowdle on the line of scrimmage, Rodgers wanted to execute a quick-hitter off the snap, but Dowdle wasn't in the same thinking space, leading to the interception.
"The guy on Rico was 12 yards off. I wanted to just throw it to him; it would have been a walk-in. He wasn't looking," Rodgers said.
Rodgers has been known to love his quick throws off the snap, especially when the opposing defender is playing off coverage. Given his age, it's reasonable to expect this to be used more often than usual in 2026, so the pass catchers, including the running backs, will have to be in sync with the field general. Dowdle is also not typically a receiving back; his biggest strength is running between the tackles. Jaylen Warren fits the bill much more smoothly and will likely take the role as a pass-catching RB in 2026.
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Steelers running back Jaylen Warren runs with a football as the team works through drills during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Mike McCarthy has emphasized versatility among his players all offseason, and while there is still more than enough time for cohesion to build, it is something that needs to be figured out. The Steelers want both running backs to be able to produce in the run game and through the air, so Dowdle will have to figure out how to play with Rodgers when lined out wide.
Steelers Fans Shouldn't Worry
No fan wants to hear about their team struggling with communication, especially Steelers fans who have watched Mike Tomlin's defense play recently. Installing an offense is no easy task, getting all players to buy in and really grasp the concepts. It's also not every day players get to play with a bona fide future Hall of Famer at quarterback, especially one who plays the way Rodgers does. Guys typically take longer to mesh with Rodgers, and this situation will be no different.
Mistakes made in August are no reason for panic. It’s why training camp lasts as long as it does. There will be plenty of opportunity for Rodgers and all of his pass catchers to gain that chemistry that is needed for them to be successful. Hopefully there aren't too many hiccups in this regard, and things continue to run smoothly for the most part. The offense has a strong opportunity to improve from 2025 to 2026, but it will take time to build the foundation.
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