Dowdle inactive again as Warren leads Steelers’ backfield against Colts

Rico Dowdle is inactive for Pittsburgh's Week 5 game against Indianapolis, keeping Jaylen Warren in the lead role in the Steelers' backfield. The team's Sunday announcement says Warren will again receive the majority of the carries after Dowdle spent the week working through his toe injury.

The decision was confirmed on the official inactive list at 12:07 p.m. Eastern Sunday. RotoWire's Sunday report, citing ESPN's Adam Schefter, had described Dowdle as unlikely to play and Warren as the lead option if he sat. The NFL's current Sunday roundup now identifies him as officially inactive, settling the questionable designation that had remained in place during the week.

Watch Pittsburgh’s official Week 5 Insider program on YouTube. The team restricts external embedding of this video.

Warren's recent usage shows what Pittsburgh has asked of him during Dowdle's absence. He carried 17 times for 127 yards against Cincinnati in Week 3, then had another 17 carries for 93 yards against Cleveland in Week 4. In the first two games combined, when the backs were sharing work, Warren had 21 carries for 89 yards.

Those rushing totals only cover part of his contribution. The team's weekly report credits Warren with a career-high 176 yards from scrimmage against the Bengals and 126 against the Browns. Offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio discussed monitoring Warren's repetitions and finding opportunities to give him a break, even while praising his work in protection and the running game.

McCarthy said earlier in the week that Dowdle had made progress after a good workout, but had not established his availability for Indianapolis. The coach also said younger backs deserved opportunities. Sunday's inactive list confirms Dowdle will miss the game.

Pittsburgh elevated Lew Nichols from its practice squad for the game. Nichols was also elevated for the Bengals and Browns matchups this season, according to the team's announcement. Rookie running back Eli Heidenreich is inactive, leaving another confirmed absence in the backfield group.

The Steelers have personnel changes elsewhere on offense as well. Michael Pittman Jr. went on injured reserve Saturday with a foot injury, a development covered in the existing Pittman article. Sunday's team report points to Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard among the receivers positioned for additional responsibility. Wilson has 14 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns through four games; Bernard has seven receptions for 60 yards.

Pittsburgh and Indianapolis both enter the matchup 2-2. The game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern at Acrisure Stadium on CBS. Indianapolis receiver Keenan Allen is active after carrying a groin designation, according to the current league and CBS Sports reports.

Sources

Dowdle inactive, Warren leads backfield · Warren’s recent workload and coaching context · NFL: Confirmed Sunday player decisions · CBS Sports: Current Week 5 game-day availability · RotoWire: Dowdle’s earlier doubtful outlook and Warren role