The Steelers are sitting in a good spot after their 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and the offense has started to find its rhythm again with head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Now comes the tricky part.
Once Rico Dowdle is healthy and ready to return, McCarthy has a real backfield decision on his hands. Jaylen Warren has done more than hold the fort in Dowdle’s absence - he has made himself impossible to ignore. Pittsburgh has leaned on him heavily, and the results have been loud.
ESPN raised the question in its Monday Week 5 roundup: "How will the Steelers use RB Rico Dowdle when he returns?"
Brooke Pryor reported that McCarthy has been clear about wanting "a two-back system."
Still, Warren has seized the opportunity during Dowdle’s three-game injury absence. Against the Colts, he led the Steelers in rushing with 15 carries for 101 yards and also topped the team in receiving with six catches for 87 yards.
Pryor also noted that "Warren has played nearly every offensive snap for Pittsburgh over the past three weeks, averaging 6.9 yards per carry and totaling 142 scrimmage yards after contact," while adding that "McCarthy wants a balanced workload for his running backs, partly to preserve them for later in the season, but Warren is making a convincing case to stay on the field."
The Steelers will want Dowdle back once he’s available. They’ll also want Warren involved. That’s the challenge now, and it’s a good one to have.
In Other News...
Steelers Defense Is Trying A New Fix That Has To Work Fast
The Steelers are trying a different look on the defensive sideline this week, shifting coordinator Patrick Graham from the booth to field level for the game against the Colts. Graham had preferred calling games from above, where the better angle helps him sort out offensive personnel and formations, but the change gives him a more direct line to players in real time.
Mike McCarthy pushed for the move because he wants quicker, cleaner communication and faster adjustments during the game. It is the kind of tweak teams make when they think a small operational fix can help in a hurry, though McCarthy is still sorting out whether the change actually delivers the kind of correction Pittsburgh needs. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Suddenly Have A WR Decision That Could Shape Week 6
The Steelers are staring at another receiver-depth test this week, and the timing is awkward with the group already thinned out. DK Metcalf and Germie Bernard have been holding down the top spots, while rookie Kaden Wetjen and a likely practice squad elevation in Brandon Smith are the next men up as Pittsburgh tries to keep the passing game functional.
With the position group so light, the front office is at least weighing outside help, and several free agents have surfaced as possible answers. Nothing has been finalized yet, but the fact the Steelers are looking at another addition says plenty about how fragile the room has become heading into Week 6. [Read more 🡒]
Aaron Rodgers Gave Mike Tomlin A Postgame Tribute Steelers Fans Will Love
During the Steelers win over the Indianapolis Colts, Aaron Rodgers found a subtle way to tip his cap to Mike Tomlin. The postgame moment fit neatly with the respect Rodgers has already shown for Tomlins leadership, and it came at a time when Pittsburgh had plenty of reasons to feel good about how the day unfolded, including Jaylen Warrens significant role in the result.
Rodgers later explained that the shirt was no accident, but he stopped short of spelling out every part of the message on it. For Steelers fans, the tribute lands as another reminder that Tomlins influence reaches well beyond the sideline, and Rodgers clearly wanted to make that point in a way the Pittsburgh crowd would appreciate. [Read more 🡒]