After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons by the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, respectively, the Pittsburgh Steelers hoped to see similar dynamic production from veteran running back Rico Dowdle during the 2026 season. Fantasy football managers of Dowdle were undoubtedly hoping for the same.
An unfortunate toe injury has thrown a wrench into those plans.
Dowdle has been sidelined since a Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots, where he got injured while scrambling for a fumble. At the time of his injury, Dowdle only had 15 total carries for 37 yards and four catches for 28 yards. While Dowdle isn't the Steelers' starting running back — that honor belongs to the incumbent Jaylen Warren — he's still been a bit disappointing so far. And after
the Steelers officially ruled out Dowdle for Thursday night's matchup with the Cleveland Browns, Dowdle will have to wait another week before he can start living up to expectations.
Fortunately, Dowdle's injury doesn't seem serious enough to warrant a long-term absence. The Steelers apparently consider him week-to-week, which means Dowdle could come back in Week 5 for a home game against the Indianapolis Colts. That's excellent news for both the Steelers and anyone leaning on Dowdle in fantasy.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: When will Rico Dowdle come back to the Steelers?
