"He began the year as the backup to Chuba Hubbard, but when Hubbard was out Weeks 5 and 6 with a calf injury, Dowdle exploded for a franchise-record 473 scrimmage yards over a two-game stretch, surpassing the previous mark held by Christian McCaffrey."
"Coach Dave Canales praised Dowdle for his "violent'' running style and elevated him to the starting role after a two-week attempt to split the repetitions. Dowdle was instrumental in a midseason win at Green Bay, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns."
"While Gainwell was a versatile tool and prolific in the pass game -- he led the Steelers in receptions last season -- Dowdle is a more physical, pure running back. He joins a room that also includes bruising back Jaylen Warren and 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson."
Rico Dowdle joined the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year, $12.25 million contract after establishing himself as a productive running back. With the Panthers in 2025, he rushed for 1,076 yards, marking his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. Initially a backup to Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle became the starter after an injury and recorded a franchise-record 473 scrimmage yards over two games, surpassing Christian McCaffrey's previous mark. Coach Dave Canales praised his physical running style. His carries and production declined in the final three games, prompting him to seek free agency. Dowdle, undrafted from South Carolina, spent four seasons with Dallas before joining Carolina. The Steelers signed him after losing Kenneth Gainwell to Tampa Bay, though Dowdle offers a different skill set as a pure runner rather than a pass-catching threat.
Read at ESPN.com
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