The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 NFL season with a split backfield between running backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. But now five weeks into the year, Warren has clearly separated himself as the Steelers' go-to back. Dowdle has missed each of the last three games with a dislocated toe injury.
And in those three games, Warren has been excellent. In Sunday's Week 5 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Warren had 101 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 15 carries, while also reeling in each of his six targets for 87 yards and an additional score. Dowdle returned to practice for limited participation leading up to Sunday's Week 5 game, but was ultimately ruled out.
Now as the Steelers prepare for a Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he working closer toward a return to the field. That being said, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is still committed to Warren as the team's lead back. "Jaylen is our featured player right now," McCarthy told reporters on Monday.
Warren has 410 rushing yards and 230 receiving yards through the first five games of the 2026 season, making him the only player in the league to lead his team in both rushing and receiving yards. Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Buccaneers will kick off at 1 p.m.
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