The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't enter the 2026 offseason expecting to need to add to their running back room, but once Kenneth Gainwell explored free agency, the organization had to figure out how to replace its Team MVP from 2025. It didn't seem like the franchise had to add a big name to its room considering Jaylen Warren was back and healthy, but it went out and added a guy that complemented his game like Gainwell did, and that was Rico Dowdle.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Will Howard hands the football off to running back Rico Dowdle during the voluntary veteran offseason workouts.
At first, no one was quite sure if the Dowdle would end up being very similar to Gainwell in terms of running back depth and physicality. Throughout the early stages of training camp, that may be the exact case in the new offensive scheme under Mike McCarthy and Brian Angelichio. There are big changes coming to the offense and the depth chart in the backfield may change as a result.
As of right now, the Steelers still have Warren listed as the starter on the depth chart, but Dowdle is starting to emerge as a potential starter as well. Dowdle has been very productive in his career, posting two consecutive seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards. There's a lot of talent to work with there, especially considering that he worked with McCarthy back in 2024.
That familiarity may give him an edge over Warren, but they could just split the reps 50-50. Angelichio spoke to the media about the running back room and didn't give a clear starter, but he expects them to have similar touches with the offense, via Steelers reporter Nick Farabaugh on X.
"They're both going to play," Angelichio said. "They're both going to be part of our success and they can both carry the load."
While that doesn't say much about how they will come out on the field, it's safe to assume they will both see plenty of time. If they split reps, does that really mean there's a certified number one on the depth chart? Both bring their own traits that can help the Steelers mix up their looks offensively, so that is a big bonus about having both. Also, throughout Warren's career, he has always had someone else to complement him, and take consistent reps alongside him, so having a guy like Dowdle is very beneficial.
The Steelers struggled to run the ball consistently in 2025, finishing in the bottom of the league in rushing yards in spread formations. When they found success on the ground, they were in jumbo packages with six linemen. Fans could even count a seventh with Darnell Washington on the field too, but having that extra tackle was when they could consistently run the ball.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' tight end Darnell Washington flexes in celebration after scoring a touchdown in a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That needs to change for the offense to improve in 2026. The pass game is looking to get better with multiple new faces in the receiving room, but that will only open up if the Steelers can establish the running game early, taking more eyes towards the backfield. Having a two-headed monster in Dowdle and Warren will help the offense tremendously.
While they had a solid one-two punch in 2025 with Gainwell and Warren, it was a little different of a combination. Gainwell did most of his heavy lifting on checkdowns and in the pass game. While he did have over 500 rushing yards, he wasn't as much of a threat in the run game. Dowdle is much more efficient in that area and, on paper, that should give the offense a brand new look compared to last season.
Steelers Need Run Game To Open Up Offense In 2026 With Two-Headed Monster
With all the changes to the offensive line and scheme, this will be something that could make or break the Steelers season. They need a consistent and efficient run game to pair with their aggressive pass game that McCarthy is trying to bring into Pittsburgh. It starts with Dowdle and Warren, however they plan to use them this season.
#SteelerNation