The Pittsburgh Steelers ruled Rico Dowdle out of Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a toe injury, while Jaylen Warren remains questionable because of a shoulder issue. The backfield concern from Thursday is now a confirmed absence paired with an open question about Pittsburgh’s most productive runner.
The Steelers’ final injury report also ruled rookie guard Gennings Dunker out with a knee injury. Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Joey Porter Jr. (conditioning), and Jamel Dean (ankle) joined Warren as questionable. All four were listed as limited Friday, although the Steelers held a walkthrough, so those participation listings were estimates. Jalen Ramsey and Cole Holcomb practiced fully and received no game designation.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Michael Pittman Jr. | WR | Foot | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
Joey Porter Jr. | CB | NIR/Conditioning | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
Jalen Ramsey | CB | NIR/Rest | DNP | FP | FP | - |
Rico Dowdle | RB | Toe | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
Jaylen Warren | RB | Shoulder | LP | LP | LP | Questionable |
Jamel Dean | CB | Ankle | DNP | LP | Questionable | |
Cole Holcomb | LB | NIR/Personal | DNP | DNP | FP | - |
Gennings Dunker | G | Knee | - | LP | DNP | Out |
Dowdle missed practice all week. Through two games, he has 37 yards on 15 carries; Warren has 89 on 21. Losing Dowdle doesn’t strip the offense of its most productive runner. It does leave Pittsburgh needing more from Warren while it assesses his shoulder.
Jaylen Warren’s expected role puts Pittsburgh Steelers running back depth to the test vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. described a plan with Warren handling the lead role and other backs rotating in to give him breaks. He told the media the Steelers expect Warren to play despite his questionable designation. It doesn’t settle his availability, but it gives us a better idea of how they intend to manage the backfield if he’s active.
Travis Homer is the most familiar available option. Pittsburgh elevated him from the practice squad against New England, where he gained 16 yards on two carries and contributed on special teams. Rookie Eli Heidenreich is already on the active roster, but he hasn’t established a regular rushing role.
Lew Nichols gives the Steelers another choice. He led the team this preseason with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, prompting Still Curtain’s Andrew Falce to argue for a Nichols elevation. Those carries came in exhibition games, so they can’t settle who’s ready for Cincinnati.
Homer’s use last week makes him the more likely choice, in my view. Chinyoung’s plan means whoever joins the backfield should get chances to spell Warren, even if Warren is cleared to play.
Porter and Dean were both listed as limited Friday, leaving their availability up in the air. Dean returned to limited work after missing Wednesday’s practice, while Porter remained limited throughout the week and has yet to play this season.
Against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Steelers would rather pair Asante Samuel Jr. with one of them than ask their cornerback depth to replace both. Pittman’s status also affects how much Pittsburgh asks of young receivers Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard after Pittman missed the Patriots game.
As they have the last two weeks, Pittsburgh can elevate a practice squad back before Sunday, but the inactive list will settle whether Warren, Dean, Porter, and Pittman can play.
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