Pittsburgh Steelers sign running back Rico Dowdle, reuniting him with Mike McCarthy
· Yahoo Sports
Shortly after running back Kenneth Gainwell departed the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a two-year, $14 million deal, a replacement was quickly found in the hands of former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, who rushed for 1,076 yards, six touchdowns, and averaged 4.6 yards per carry during the 2025 season. Dowdle, undrafted in 2020 out of the University of South Carolina, also rushed for 1,079 yards with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 prior to joining the Panthers.
He reunites with former head coach Mike McCarthy, who coached him in Dallas from 2020 through 2024. Dowdle is known as a downhill runner who's very physical, possessing exceptional contact balance, tackle-breaking ability, and the ability to press the hole quickly, all while aggressively cutting without wasting any space.
Visit asg-reflektory.pl for more information.
At the second level, he will unleash violence and impose his will upon defenders, running plays as exactly as designed to a coach's satisfaction. Dowdle has three-down capability with reliable hands, having racked up at least 39 receptions in the last two seasons. One overlooked strength of his skill set is his pass protection, particularly during the two-minute warning. A north-to-south runner who fights for extra yardage, uniquely utilizing power through his hips, driving through defenders.
Statistically speaking, Dowdle ranked third in the National Football League in 2025 for Rush Success Rate, first overall in Rush EPA, 4th in Rush RYOE per Attempt, and was also 12th on Pro Football Focus's list of rushing grades. Looking forward, he helps to form a running back tandem with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren, also undrafted, who rushed for 958 yards, six touchdowns, and averaged 4.5 yards per carry last season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Pittsburgh Steelers sign running back Rico Dowdle, reuniting him with Mike McCarthy