Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have avoided a worst-case scenario regarding running back Rico Dowdle's injury.
Dowdle is said to be fine after exiting Sunday's game between the Steelers and the New England Patriots with a lower-body injury, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
“Steelers RB Rico Dowdle, who was carted to the locker room on Sunday with a toe injury, checked out relatively OK following tests. He's considered to be day-to-day,” Rapoport shared via a social media post on X (formerly Twitter).
The former South Carolina Gamecocks star running back Dowdle started in the backfield for the Steelers against the Patriots, but left the contest in the second quarter with a toe injury. He was carted off to the locker room, though, he was able to come back in the second half. The 28-year-old Dowdle only had seven carries for 22 rushing yards in the 20-3 loss to the Patriots, while also adding two catches for 22 receiving yards on two targets.
Jaylen Warren got the most work at running back in Week 2 for the Steelers, finishing with 43 rushing yards on 11 carries, plus 34 receiving yards on two receptions and four targets.
For now, the Steelers will monitor Dowdle's status as they look to have him back in time for their Week 3 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Dowdle, who spent four years with the Dallas Cowboys and another with the Carolina Panthers, is in his first season with the Steelers, who signed him to a two-year, $12.25 million contract in March.