Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy offered a candid assessment of running back Rico Dowdle following the team’s Monday press conference, highlighting both his growth and versatility.
McCarthy, who previously coached Dowdle during their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, pointed to the running back’s development on and off the field as a key factor in his evaluation.
“Rico, I watched him as a young guy go through some injury challenges his first couple of years,” McCarthy said. “Fortunately, I’ve watched him grow up as a man and his family, but always loved the way he played the game. And [he’s] a former quarterback so he has some skills that may surprise some but his playstyle, his running style is the first thing. He’s wicked smart, protections – he’s an excellent third down back and the first time he touched the ball he went 65 yards on kickoff. He’s a really good player and he and Jaylen [Warren] are a great combination.”
Dowdle, 27, is coming off a career-best season with the Carolina Panthers in 2025. He rushed for 1,076 yards on 236 carries, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt while scoring a career-high six touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, finishing with 39 catches for 297 yards and a touchdown.
Coach McCarthy on RB Rico Dowdle: pic.twitter.com/nGgiWeIv4K
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 21, 2026
Rico Dowdle reunion with Mike McCarthy strengthens Steelers’ backfield outlook
The Steelers signed Dowdle in March to a two-year, $12.25 million contract, reuniting him with McCarthy, who coached him in Dallas from 2020 to 2024. The familiarity between player and coach appears to be paying early dividends, with McCarthy expressing confidence in Dowdle’s ability to contribute in multiple phases of the offense.
Dowdle’s skill set, particularly his pass protection and third-down capabilities, could play a significant role in Pittsburgh’s offensive approach this season. Paired with Jaylen Warren, the Steelers aim to establish a balanced backfield capable of both sustaining drives and creating explosive plays.
As Pittsburgh continues to shape its offense under McCarthy, Dowdle’s experience and versatility position him as a key piece moving forward.
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