Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times and DK Metcalf committed two drops in last Sunday's 20-3 road loss to the New England Patriots, so head coach Mike McCarthy may want to emphasize the run going into a Week 3 AFC North clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. Although Jaylen Warren remains a valued member of the backfield, an active Rico Dowdle could allow the team to play the physical brand of football it likes. The 28-year-old still has barriers to overcome, but he is making progress.
Dowdle, who is day-to-day with a toe injury, was not wearing a walking boot on Thursday, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. While his lack of practice activity is concerning, the undrafted running back is at least on the right trajectory. If he has any hope of playing on Sunday afternoon, a limited practice session is probably a must on Friday.
Dowdle spent several years with McCarthy on the Dallas Cowboys, and the two have obviously built a rapport. The 5-foot-11, 218-pounder enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, rushing for 1,079 yards and posting another 249 yards through the air. Both McCarthy and Dowdle departed that offseason, and now they are back together in the Steel City. The reunion has not gone as planned through the first two games of the regular season.
The former South Carolina ball-carrier has logged 15 rushing attempts for a paltry 37 yards. Though, with more time to develop chemistry with his new teammates, perhaps Rico Dowdle can regain the impressive form he displayed on Dallas and the Carolina Panthers. There is little chance of that happening if he is hobbled, however.
The Steelers should hopefully have more news to share by Friday evening.