A duel for carries and touches
The Steelers enter the 2026 season with a clear hierarchy at running back, but the battle for touches remains tightly contested. Jaylen Warren, drafted as RB27, brings a reputation for efficiency in both rushing and pass‑catching, yet his role is not guaranteed. Rico Dowdle, listed as RB31, arrives with a track record of handling early‑down work and goal‑line situations, positioning him as the back who could see the most carries.
Warren’s draft position reflects his upside, but a season in which he was frequently outplayed by backup Kenneth Gainwell raised questions about his consistency. The coaching staff has praised his pass‑catching ability, a skill that could keep him on the field in third‑down packages, but the team appears to be leaning toward a more traditional workhorse in Dowdle for the bulk of the snaps.
Dowdle’s familiarity with Mike McCarthy’s offensive scheme, honed during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, adds a layer of predictability to his usage. Analysts expect him to lead in early‑down carries and to be the primary option near the goal line, giving him a steadier floor than Warren’s more volatile upside.
While the edge currently tilts toward Dowdle because of his projected volume and consistency, the ultimate outcome will depend on how the Steelers deploy both backs in game‑plan scenarios. Fantasy owners should monitor preseason developments and any shifts in snap distribution, as the competition could swing either way before the regular season kicks off.