Dowdle returns to full practice as Steelers prepare for Tampa Bay

Rico Dowdle practiced in full Thursday after being limited Wednesday with a toe injury. The Steelers running back has missed three straight games.

His improvement comes while Jaylen Warren holds the lead role in Pittsburgh's backfield. Mike McCarthy said Warren remains the featured player, according to the team's Thursday report. Dowdle has not yet received a final game-status designation for Sunday's visit to Tampa Bay.

Jalen Ramsey improved from a non-participant Wednesday to limited Thursday with his wrist injury. Jamel Dean remained limited with an ankle injury. Pittsburgh's report and Andrew Vasquez's Thursday coverage for Steelers Wire list those changes.

Sunday, October 11: Dowdle inactive against Indianapolis

Dowdle missed the Week 5 game against the Colts after spending the week dealing with his toe injury. The Steelers confirmed him inactive at 12:07 p.m. Eastern. Warren again led the backfield, and Pittsburgh elevated Lew Nichols. Rookie Eli Heidenreich was also inactive.

Before that game, Warren had carried 17 times for 127 yards against Cincinnati in Week 3 and 17 times for 93 yards against Cleveland in Week 4. He totaled 176 and 126 yards from scrimmage in those games. In the opening two games, when he and Dowdle shared work, Warren had 21 carries for 89 yards. Brian Angelichio discussed monitoring Warren's workload as the team prepared for Indianapolis.

Michael Pittman Jr. had gone on injured reserve the day before the Colts game with a foot injury. Pittsburgh's Week 5 report identified Roman Wilson and rookie Germie Bernard as receivers who could receive more work. Through four games, Wilson had 14 catches for 188 yards and two touchdowns; Bernard had seven for 60 yards.

Pittsburgh and Indianapolis entered that game 2-2. It kicked off at 1 p.m. Eastern at Acrisure Stadium on CBS. Keenan Allen was active for Indianapolis after carrying a groin injury designation.

Steelers: Week 5 Insider

Sources

Dowdle inactive, Warren leads backfield

Warren’s recent workload and coaching context

NFL: Confirmed Sunday player decisions

CBS Sports: Current Week 5 game-day availability

RotoWire: Dowdle’s earlier doubtful outlook and Warren role

Steelers: Thursday Week 6 injury report

Andrew Vasquez: Thursday Steelers injury report