Steelers running back
Steelers running back
The Pittsburgh Steelers planned to get Aaron Rodgers on the field for Thursday’s preseason opener, but an injury to Michael Pittman Jr. helped keep their veteran quarterback on the sideline. A similar dynamic played out at running back, with Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle also sitting out despite the Steelers playing their starting offensive line and tight ends.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac revealed the reason for Warren and Dowdle sitting out.
“It’s the same reason we didn’t see any of the two running backs because Rico Dowdle is fighting some little nagging injury and he didn’t want to play Jaylen Warren and risk getting him hurt, and then you’re without your two top running backs. So that’s why those two guys didn’t play,” Dulac said via Post-Gazette Sports.
There hasn’t been a practice open to the public since Monday’s half day before inclement weather forced fans to evacuate campus. Alex Kozora’s training camp diary from Monday noted Dowdle as a full participant. This is the first we’ve heard about a nagging injury.
It’s possible he only sat out because it’s the preseason and would have played in a meaningful game, but it’s at least somewhat worrisome to have a nagging injury this early in the year. Depending on what it is, those can linger as the season wears on and get worse.
With Warren and Dowdle both out, Travis Homer was the first running back on the field, followed by Lew Nichols. Unfortunately for Kaleb Johnson, he didn’t see the field until the second half and only got five total snaps. His roster spot is firmly in jeopardy, especially if he doesn’t get an opportunity to stand out in the remaining preseason games.
On a positive note, Nichols carried over his preseason performance from last year and his status as an under-the-radar standout in training camp this year. He gained 36 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, including a long of 11 yards. Most importantly, he ran hard and created yards out of nothing.
If Dowdle’s injury lingers, Nichols should get more opportunities to earn a roster spot as the RB3.