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2026 NFL backfield

Pittsburgh Steelers running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Jaylen Warren

Preferred handcuff

Rico Dowdle

Dowdle is cleared and the obvious Warren fallback

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Jaylen Warren’s handcuff breakdown

Week 7 analysis published .

This analysis is over 24 hours old. Confirm current roles and availability before making a move.

The game covered by this analysis has started or finished. This is a record of that window, not a recommendation for the next game.

How the work could change

Fact: Dowdle (knee) was Questionable on the official Week 7 report but is not on Pittsburgh's gameday inactive list, which is now posted and shows Eli Heidenreich as its only running back; RotoWire, citing PennLive's Nick Farabaugh, reported Oct 25 that the Steelers cleared Dowdle after pregame warmups. Fact: Warren is not on the injury report and Dowdle works behind him. Fact: Dowdle returned in Week 6 for seven carries and 40 yards after missing three games with a dislocated toe. Projection: Dowdle is the only back here with lead-back production and would carry the load if Warren could not go, though the knee tag and Pittsburgh's committee cap this. Dowdle is widely rostered and gone in many leagues; the best lower-rostered fallback is Travis Homer, active today and free almost everywhere, but he is a passing-down back needing both Warren and Dowdle to miss.

Pittsburgh's inactives are out and Dowdle is not among them: he was Questionable with a knee issue and limited in practice all week, then cleared after pregame warmups in Paris per PennLive. Warren is off the injury report entirely and remains the lead back, with Dowdle complementary. Dowdle had missed three games with a dislocated toe before returning in Week 6 for seven carries and 40 yards. Heidenreich is the inactive back. Travis Homer and Lew Nichols are active but behind both.

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The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Pittsburgh Steelers, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Tue, Oct 27, 2:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Pittsburgh Steelers full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Jaylen WarrenPublished starter		Three-down backUndraftedactive
RB2
Rico DowdlePublished handcuff		Early-down runnerUndraftedactive
RB3
Travis Homer		Change-of-pace back2019 · Round 6 · Pick 204active
RB4
Lew Nichols		Role under review2023 · Round 7 · Pick 235active
RB5
Eli Heidenreich		Change-of-pace back2026 · Round 7 · Pick 230active
FB1
Riley Nowakowski		Fullback2026 · Round 5 · Pick 169active
Unlisted
Max Hurleman		Role under reviewDraft history unavailableactive

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Three-down back

Jaylen Warren

Age 27 · 5 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Playing through the shoulder and now the unquestioned lead back with Rico Dowdle out (toe): about 60% of team snaps on the season, 17 carries for 127 yards in the Sept. 27 Bengals game and 17 carries for 93 yards plus 3 catches for 33 yards in the loss to Cleveland reported Oct. 1. One of the league's better pass-protecting backs, which keeps him on third down. Depth behind him is thin.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 5, 3:53 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 7 recorded games include 102 carries and 24 receptions on 34 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Rico Dowdle

Age 28 · 7 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment

Available and useful but still the complement: he played through the Questionable tag in the 16-10 win over New Orleans in Paris for 86 scrimmage yards, described by the club as solid behind Warren and improving as the game went on. Jaylen Warren is the RB1 - 18 carries for 101 yards plus three catches for 36, a fourth 100-yard scrimmage game in five weeks. An RB3, not a lead back.

Scouting assessment saved Mon, Oct 26, 3:54 AM EDT.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Jaylen Warren. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Jaylen Warren. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

Undrafted

He entered without draft investment. That says how he arrived, not what he can become; current usage and coaching trust carry more weight now.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 4 recorded games include 31 carries and 13 receptions on 17 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Change-of-pace back

Travis Homer

Age 28 · 8 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Veteran special-teams ace (46 career special-teams tackles, one TD) and pass-protection specialist signed in March 2026, with only 90 career carries and 55 catches on offense. He made his season debut as a Week 2 elevation and adds experienced depth behind Warren with Dowdle out, but he has never been a volume runner and is not a realistic lead-back answer.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Jaylen Warren. The dated board currently prefers Rico Dowdle for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2019 · Round 6 · Pick 204

Drafted by SEA; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 5 recorded games include 5 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Role under review

Lew Nichols

Age 25 · 1 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Practice-squad back and 2026 preseason standout. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo named him the player Pittsburgh would promote into the carry split if Warren or Dowdle were injured, which makes him the most interesting name behind the top two - though with Dowdle out for Week 3 the reported backup was Heidenreich, so that promotion has not yet happened. Deep-stash value only.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Jaylen Warren. The dated board currently prefers Rico Dowdle for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2023 · Round 7 · Pick 235

Drafted by GB; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 5 recorded games include 2 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB5 · Change-of-pace back

Eli Heidenreich

Age 23 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Seventh-round rookie who has not taken an offensive snap this season and has worked as a special-teamer. With Dowdle ruled out for Week 3 he is reported as the direct backup behind Warren, which matters because Warren is himself questionable with a shoulder. A contingency body rather than a producer; Pittsburgh would likely elevate veteran help before feeding him volume.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Jaylen Warren. The dated board currently prefers Rico Dowdle for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer, Lew Nichols. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Round 7 · Pick 230

Drafted by PIT; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 2 recorded games include 0 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

FB1 · Fullback

Riley Nowakowski

Age 24 · Rookie · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Fifth-round rookie (169th overall) out of Wisconsin and Indiana, listed as Pittsburgh's starting fullback and used as a lead blocker and move/H-back in McCarthy's heavy packages, plus special teams. He caught 32 passes in his final college season, so he is not purely a blocker, but he has no role in the running back carry rotation.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Jaylen Warren. The dated board currently prefers Rico Dowdle for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A fullback’s place on the chart represents a different assignment from the running-back queue. Blocking or situational touches do not make him the next lead runner when an RB is absent.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2026 · Round 5 · Pick 169

Drafted by PIT; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2026, his 3 recorded games include 0 carries and 0 receptions on 0 targets. Receiving volume is not established by these records. Do not read that as proof he cannot catch or protect the quarterback.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Max Hurleman

Age 25 · 1 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Second-year hybrid back/return man on practice-squad injured reserve since Sept. 19 with an undisclosed injury and no stated return timetable. No offensive role and no path to Pittsburgh's backfield this season barring several further injuries. Note that some outlets list him at wide receiver rather than running back, so his listed position is not settled.

Scouting assessment saved Sat, Sep 26, 3:56 AM EDT. This assessment is older than 14 days or has an invalid date; current-role review is needed.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Jaylen Warren. The dated board currently prefers Rico Dowdle for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A clear role assessment is not available. Rushing experience, receiving usage and protection responsibilities need checking before treating him as a direct replacement.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2026 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2026 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Jaylen Warren
71022485517.1
Rico Dowdle
431132008.3
Eli Heidenreich
20000.0
Lew Nichols
52060.1
Max Hurleman
—————
Riley Nowakowski
30000.0
Travis Homer
550150.3
Jaylen Warren: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2026

Wk 213 touches
Wk 320 touches
Wk 420 touches
Wk 521 touches
Wk 616 touches
Wk 721 touches
Rico Dowdle: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 4 recorded games in 2026

Wk 110 touches
Wk 29 touches
Wk 610 touches
Wk 715 touches
Eli Heidenreich: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 2 recorded games in 2026

Wk 10 touches
Wk 20 touches
Lew Nichols: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 5 recorded games in 2026

Wk 31 touches
Wk 40 touches
Wk 51 touches
Wk 60 touches
Wk 70 touches
Riley Nowakowski: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 3 recorded games in 2026

Wk 10 touches
Wk 50 touches
Wk 60 touches
Travis Homer: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 5 recorded games in 2026

Wk 22 touches
Wk 31 touches
Wk 42 touches
Wk 60 touches
Wk 70 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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