Mike McCarthy Delivers Definitive Statement on Steelers' RB Situation

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has firmly declared that running back Jaylen Warren will remain the team's primary back for the remainder of the 2026 NFL season. Warren has clearly outperformed his backup, Rico Dowdle, who has been sidelined due to a dislocated toe injury for the past three games. In Sunday's Week 5 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Warren showcased his prowess, rushing for 101 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, while also catching six passes for 87 yards and another score.

Despite Dowdle's return to practice for limited participation ahead of Sunday's Week 5 game, he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the season. As the Steelers gear up for their Week 6 clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, McCarthy remains resolute in his commitment to Warren, who has now led the team in both rushing and receiving yards through the first five games of the 2026 season.

With 410 rushing yards and 230 receiving yards to his name, Warren stands as the sole player in the league to achieve this remarkable feat.