PITTSBURGH — Lew Nichols isn't recognized in public all that much, unless he's wearing Pittsburgh Steelers gear.
"I'm able to still move in and out of places on my own," the team's practice squad running back said after Thursday's practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "I don't mind being able to go out to the mall and (going to) get some dinner and be in and out without some stoppage, but if someone does pull me to the side and want an autograph or picture, I love that, too."
In college at Central Michigan, fans approached Nichols much more often. In his hometown, Detroit , too. If he gets on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, helping fill in for the injured Rico Dowdle , people in the Steel City — maybe even you — will start to know No. 31.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Lew Nichols during an OTAs practice on June 9, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Nichols, who led the FBS in rushing yards with the Chippewas in 2021, carried the ball 20 times during the preseason, going for 87 yards and a touchdown. He landed on the Steelers ' practice squad — with which he spent last season — after being waived. With Dowdle (toe) ruled out for Week 3, Nichols might finally get his chance.
Jaylen Warren (shoulder) is also banged up and listed as questionable for the clash.
"Long time coming, so I'm definitely ready," Nichols said of possibly getting the opportunity. "It definitely would mean a lot, for sure, to get out there and contribute."
Nichols, a seventh-round draft pick in 2023, operates with a day-by-day mindset.
"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."
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