Steelers rule out Rico Dowdle and Gennings Dunker while four other starters carry questionable tags into a critical AFC North matchup
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their first divisional test of the season when they host the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Unlike Pittsburgh's clean Week 1 report, the Steelers enter Week 3 with a longer, more consequential list.
Running back Rico Dowdle and rookie guard Gennings Dunker have both been ruled out. Dowdle did not practice all week with a toe injury, while Dunker was limited Thursday before sitting out Friday with a knee issue.
Four additional players carry questionable designations: wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (conditioning), running back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) and cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle). All four were limited all week, and their status won't be finalized until the inactive list is released.
Steelers Week 3 Friday Injury Report:
OUT:
RB Rico Dowdle (toe)
OG Gennings Dunker (knee)QUESTIONABLE:
CB Joey Porter Jr. (NIR/conditioning)
WR Michael Pittman Jr. (foot)
CB Jamel Dean (ankle)
RB Jaylen Warren (shoulder)#Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/JHFDTBkJPu— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 25, 2026
Jaylen Warren's shoulder is the top concern
Warren's situation carries the most weight. Through two games, he has rushed for 89 yards on 21 carries, the Steelers' most productive back so far. Dowdle, by comparison, has managed only 37 yards on 15 attempts.
Running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. said the plan calls for Warren to handle the lead role while others rotate in to give him breaks, adding that the team expects him to play despite the tag. That offers optimism, but it does not guarantee availability.
With Dowdle already out, Pittsburgh needs reinforcements regardless of Warren's outcome. Travis Homer is the most experienced option after being elevated against New England, where he gained 16 yards on two carries and helped on special teams. Rookie Eli Heidenreich remains on the active roster without a regular role, while preseason standout Lew Nichols could also draw an elevation.
Secondary questions complicate the Bengals matchup
Porter and Dean each remained limited all week, and both matter given the difficulty of covering Cincinnati's receivers. Porter has yet to play this season while working through a conditioning issue, and Dean returned to limited work Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with his ankle.
If either cornerback cannot suit up, Pittsburgh will likely lean on Asante Samuel Jr. against one of Cincinnati's top perimeter threats rather than splitting responsibilities across a thinner depth chart.
Pittman's foot injury is the other lingering offensive question. He was limited all week and already missed Pittsburgh's Week 2 game. His absence would put more responsibility on young receivers Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard.
Encouraging notes amid the uncertainty
Not every name on the practice report leads to concern. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey and linebacker Cole Holcomb both progressed to full participation Friday after being held out of practice earlier in the week for rest and personal reasons. Neither carries a game status, meaning both are expected to play Sunday.
That gives Pittsburgh stability at two spots even as its backfield, receiver room and secondary face lingering questions. The Steelers have made in-week practice-squad elevations in each of the past two games, and Sunday could bring another before the inactive list is announced.
Pittsburgh's health picture is far murkier than it was in the season opener, but the coaching staff's confidence in Warren and the full clearances for Ramsey and Holcomb offer some reassurance heading into a critical AFC North game. The hours before kickoff will determine exactly how many starters the Steelers have available against Cincinnati, and how much Pittsburgh must lean on backups at running back, wide receiver and cornerback to keep pace with the Bengals' offense.