Rico Dowdle misses practice, Jaylen Warren steps up for Steelers against Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle missed Friday’s practice, confirming that he remains sidelined with a hamstring issue and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s home game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers announced the update on their official website, and fantasy football owners quickly reacted by moving backup Jaylen Warren into their lineups.

Dowdle’s injury is the latest setback for a backfield that has struggled with consistency all season. He suffered a grade‑2 hamstring strain in Week 5 and has been in and out of the lineup since, playing only sparingly in the past three weeks. The Steelers have relied heavily on veteran James Conner and rookie Najee Harris to carry the load, but both have shown signs of wear, leaving the team thin at the position. Warren, a third‑year player drafted in the fourth round, has been the primary backup and has seen increased snaps in recent games.

Warren entered the season as a depth piece, but he has become a reliable option when called upon. In his last two appearances, he rushed for 68 yards on 12 carries and added a 12‑yard reception. He also recorded a first‑down conversion on a crucial third‑down play against the Buffalo Bills. Coach Mike Tomlin praised Warren’s “football IQ” and “hard‑nosed running style” after the practice, indicating that the backup will see a significant role if Dowdle cannot play. Fantasy analysts on Yahoo Sports and ESPN have already adjusted their projections, giving Warren a projected 8.5 fantasy points for Sunday.

If Dowdle is cleared to play, he is expected to split carries with Conner and Harris, limiting his upside but still offering a viable flex option for fantasy managers. Should the hamstring linger, Warren will likely start and could see a workload approaching 15–18 carries, especially in the second half as the Steelers aim to control the clock. Owners are advised to monitor the Steelers’ injury report early Sunday morning and adjust lineups accordingly, as the decision will have a direct impact on weekly fantasy scores.