Lackluster start to Steelers tenure
Dowdle rushed eight times for 15 yards and brought in two of five targets for six yards in the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
Dowdle trailed backfield mate Jaylen Warren by only two carries and a sole target, but he was outgained in total scrimmage yards by a 73-21 margin. Dowdle is virtually certain to have better days on the ground this season, yet Warren's efficient performance as both a runner and receiver served as a reminder of his value to the offense. Consequently, Dowdle could continue narrowly trailing his teammate in overall opportunity during a Week 2 road matchup against the Patriots next Sunday.
More Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Football News
DK Metcalf
Inefficient with team-high target total
Metcalf secured four of 10 targets for 40 yards in the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
Pat Freiermuth
Grabs TD in Week 1 victory
Freiermuth caught all five of his targets for 46 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-13 win over Atlanta.
Aaron Rodgers
Solid numbers in Week 1 win
Rodgers completed 24 of 40 passes for 221 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and added three carries for minus-3 yards in the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Falcons on Sunday.
Jaylen Warren
Records 73 total yards, fumble in win
Warren rushed 10 times for 46 yards and brought in five of six targets for 27 yards in the Steelers' 20-13 win over the Falcons on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
DK Metcalf
Not listed on Wednesday's injury report
Metcalf (undisclosed) wasn't listed on the Steelers' first Week 1 injury report Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Michael Pittman Jr.
Ready to go for Week 1
Pittman (hamstring) didn't appear Wednesday on the Steelers' first Week 1 injury report, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Pat Freiermuth
Plays two preseason games
Freiermuth capped the Steelers' preseason schedule with one catch (on one target) for two yards in two contests.
Aaron Rodgers
To have Metcalf, Pittman back in Week 1
Rodgers is expected to have WRs DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman (hamstring) available Week 1 against the Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 13, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Rico Dowdle
Splitting backfield with Warren
Dowdle and Jaylen Warren are slated to have regular roles in the Steelers offense during the 2026 season, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports.
Jaylen Warren
To share backfield with Dowdle
Warren and Rico Dowdle are expected to have regular roles in the Steelers offense during the 2026 season, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com reports.
