The Pittsburgh Steelers have elevated running back Lew Nichols from the practice squad for their Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts, which is probably a bad sign for the status of veteran running back Rico Dowdle.
For the third week in a row, the Steelers are calling on Nichols to bolster their running game. Since Dowdle has been sideline with a toe injury, the Steelers have both signed Travis Homer from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, and promoted Nichols.
Nichols has theoretically been the backup to starting running back Jaylen Warren , but he's played a very small role. Over the last two weeks, Nichols has appeared in just three snaps on offense, running the ball one time for no yards. It was the first NFL carry for Nichols, a seventh-round pick in 2023. Nichols had spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that he might need to give some other backs more of the workload with Dowdle still sidelined with a dislocated toe.
"I'm excited about our young guys," McCarthy said. "I think it's important for us to give these guys an opportunity."
Dowdle is officially questionable to play on Sunday with a dislocated toe on his left foot. He was limited in practice all week.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Lew Nichols tries to stay upright during a run against the Green Bay Packers in a 28-9 preseason win. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Nichols signed to the Steelers practice squad after an impressive preseason. He also spent last year on Pittsburgh's practice squad, playing one game exclusively on special teams.
"I really just stay even-keeled, man," Nichols said. "Not getting too high, not getting too low. Just being grateful for whatever position I am in at that moment. Everything has pros and cons, so just staying humble, and really just making the most of my opportunity, but I'm not really too caught up on fame and things of that sort. But, definitely, when I get my opportunity, I'm gonna make sure they know exactly who I am."
Because Nichols was elevated for the third time this season, if the Steelers wish to play him again after Sunday's game, they'll need to sign him to the 53-man roster.
Brendan Howe contributed.
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