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Steelers' Rico Dowdle Could Be the X-Factor Aaron Rodgers Needs in 2026
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- Steelers' Rico Dowdle Could Be the X-Factor Aaron Rodgers Needs in 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 season with a new head coach, a retooled offense, and plenty of Pro Bowl talent returning on defense . With quarterback Aaron Rodgers reuniting with Mike McCarthy for what will be his final season, the Steelers will go as far as Rodgers' arm can take them. However, that doesn't mean other players on offense can't emerge as X-Factors. In fact, one offseason acquisition could make a significant difference for Rodgers and the offense.
Running back Rico Dowdle has reunited with McCarthy after back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons, and ESPN believes he could be the difference-maker who helps push this offense to its potential.
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Ben Solak identified each team's X-Factor heading into the 2026 season . Dowdle could be just that for the Steelers, who will need an effective ground game to support an aging Rodgers and allow the offense to reach its full potential.
"Dowdle is a no-nonsense runner (sixth in success rate over the same time frame) who doesn't necessarily break tackles and create explosives at the rate of an elite back. But Warren is at his best as a ball carrier when he's using his fresh legs in relief of a grinder to hit the bigger plays later in a drive. If Dowdle fills his role well behind this Steelers offensive line, which could be the best he has played behind, Pittsburgh has an avenue to defensive victories thanks to a reliable rushing attack that controls the clock and stays ahead of the sticks." Solak wrote on Dowdle.
Dowdle and Warren can exploit defenses
May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Solak mentions that Warren is at his best when he can complement another back and create big plays. Warren has big-time playmaking ability, as evidenced by his 65-yard catch-and-run against the Seattle Seahawks last season . However, Dowdle and Warren bring a strong complement of skills that could allow them to exploit defenses .
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Dowdle eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in 2025, while Warren recorded 958 yards, coming just short of the milestone. However, when looking at the details of their runs, the two backs were even more similar. The analytics behind their rushing production show two backs capable of producing similar results in different ways.
According to PFF tracking, Dowdle and Warren each registered 10 breakaway runs of 15-plus yards. They also averaged 3.15 and 3.09 yards after contact, respectively. The biggest difference came in missed tackles forced, with Dowdle forcing 34 and Warren forcing 53.
While that may not appear to be a significant difference, it illustrates how Dowdle can serve as the grinding back Solak described while Warren provides the explosiveness. The two backs can get the job done in different ways, giving Pittsburgh a potentially dangerous one-two punch.
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Can Dowdle be an under-the-radar difference maker?
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Dowdle may not enter the season with the same level of attention as some of the Steelers' other offensive additions, but his impact could be substantial. If he can consistently create positive runs, keep the offense ahead of the sticks, and force defenses to respect Pittsburgh's rushing attack, he could make life much easier for Rodgers.
That would allow McCarthy to keep defenses from simply sitting back and challenging Rodgers to win every game through the air. If Dowdle can establish himself as the reliable early-down runner Solak envisions, the Steelers could have the balance necessary to maximize both Warren and Rodgers.
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For an offense with plenty of questions, Dowdle could quietly become one of its most important pieces.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
