Longtime Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly said after three training camp practices that Rico Dowdle looks set to be the lead running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Kaboly based his assessment on early rep distribution at camp. He noted Dowdle is likely to handle around 65 to 70 percent of the work rather than a full workload.
The Steelers signed Dowdle to a two-year deal in the offseason after he rushed for more than 1,000 yards with the Carolina Panthers. He previously played for McCarthy in Dallas. Incumbent Jaylen Warren led the team with 952 rushing yards last season.
Reps have been split evenly so far, with Warren taking the first-team snaps during Friday’s walkthrough at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Pads are scheduled to arrive Monday morning, which could shift the picture.
