Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up
Odds by

    Jaylen Warren up first against Jets on Friday

    Link copied to clipboard!

    PIT Running Back #30
    Player Stats
    Link copied to clipboard!

    Steelers RB Jaylen Warren rushed five times for 17 yards in Friday’s preseason game against the Jets.

    Warren played 3-of-3 snaps on the first drive. Steelers RB Rico Dowdle played 4-of-4 snaps on the second. The two backs then rotated on the third. Dowdle rushed five times for 18 yards, adding one reception for two yards. This is about what we expected, though a recent report did indicate that Dowdle would be the Steelers’ “workhorse.” For now, treat both players as reliable FLEX starters with RB2 upside in what should be a split backfield, at least early on.
Assessing Tagovailoa's poor practice performance
The Dan Le Batard crew discusses Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's poor practice performance, and how the quarterback stacks up in the game of the NFL.

Related Player News

  • PIT Running Back #13
    Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players
    Recent reporting from ESPN suggests the Steelers will employ a run-heavy approach this season. Vacchiano agrees and adds that Steelers coach Mike McCarthy believes Dowdle could help the team produce a strong running game this season. That said, Vacchiano also said that Dowdle and RB Jaylen Warren could form “a potent tandem,” so Vacchiano may only be indicating that Dowdle will be the team’s primary rusher while Warren changes the pace and plays on passing downs. Both players sit in the fringe RB2/FLEX barrel right now.
  • PIT Running Back #13
    There’s been a strain of thought that Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers would go back to slinging it like it is 2016 again, but Solak left Steelers training camp believing things would mostly stay as they were last year. That’s good news for Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, though neither of them profile as an easy-to-trust option while they split time.
  • PIT Running Back #30
    Rico Dowdle is listed as the RB2. We wouldn’t read into this too much, but it does align with the approach fantasy managers have been taking to this backfield. Warren currently comes off the board at RB27 while Dowdle sits at RB32. With a larger role through the air also in his future, Warren continues to looks like a safe bet for FLEX-worthy fantasy numbers in 2026.
  • PIT Running Back
    DeFabo wonders whether Steelers coach Mike McCarthy will be “willing to open up the playbook for Heidenreich and how does the rookie fare in pass protection?” If McCarthy is willing to design plays for Heidenreich, and the youngster can be trusted to keep QB Aaron Rodgers safe from oncoming pass rushers, it is possible he earns a spot on the game-day roster. If not, he may need to spend 2026 refining his skill set while RB Jaylen Warren works on becoming Rodgers’ “new check-down favorite.” That said, DeFabo adds that “an injury or a surprising training camp performance could change things positively for Heidenreich. Keep an eye on him, but temper expectations.
  • PIT Running Back #30
    The Steelers on Monday signed Rico Dowdle, formerly of the Panthers, to a two-year deal worth $12.25 million, as Gainwell left Pittsburgh in favor of Tampa. DeFabo said the new-look Pittsburgh offense could see Warren occupy last year’s Gainwell role (Gainwell was among the league leaders in running back targets and receptions). Warren, DeFabo said, “has been at his best in a third-down role and out of the shotgun; Warren is now likely to assume the pass-catching role that Gainwell occupied last year. Given the increased opportunities in this area, Warren may produce results similar to those of Gainwell, though he’s not as refined as a route runner.” Such a scenario would make Warren far more valuable than Dowdle in PPR formats this season, though Dowdle could be a flex option if he gets first crack at goal line carries and functions as the team’s primary ball carrier.
  • CAR Running Back #5
    Dowdle will presumably form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh after notching consecutive 1,000-yard seasons for the Cowboys and Panthers. It also signals a level of discomfort with former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, who played sparingly during his rookie season following multiple special teams miscues. The financials of the contract were not immediately made available. Although unlikely to match the 235 carries he averaged the previous two seasons, Dowdle’s size and frame keep his touchdown equity high on the run-first Steelers.
  • CAR Running Back #5
    Vaguer than we’d prefer from Fowler, but given the fact the Commanders have nothing ahead of “Bill” Croskey-Merritt on the depth chart, bringing in a head of a committee makes plenty of sense. Dowdle appears to be behind Travis Etienne Jr. and Kenneth Walker on the free agency market, but should still do well for himself after a strong few months with the Panthers.
  • SEA Running Back #9
    In other words, RJ Harvey-reliant managers, keep your head on a swivel. Kosmider names Kenneth Walker, Travis Etienne, and Rico Dowdle as three backs the Broncos could have interest in. He adds that it’s “within the realm of possibility” that J.K. Dobbins returns, and also notes that the Broncos could search for young depth on Day 3 of the draft. It’s not exactly a ringing endorsement for RJ Harvey, fantasy superstar. Harvey could very well wind up in a committee again in 2026. The Broncos have enough cap space to be in play for the bigger name backs.
  • MIA Running Back #28
    Achane is mentioned as part of a major section of Alexander’s combine takeaways titled “A push for a running back,” starring Kenneth Walker and also featuring Travis Etienne and Rico Dowdle. But towards the very end, it notes that the Texans did trade for a back after missing out on the free-agent market for Saquon Barkley when they snagged Joe Mixon. We doubt that the Dolphins would part with Achane for something negligible — they’d likely require real draft compensation — but the situation certainly looks to be focused on the long-term there and Achane is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
  • CAR Running Back #5
    Dowdle was notably down on how little he was used in the regular season finale and in the playoffs, where he rushed a combined 12 times for 19 yards, and said that would be a “factor” in his free agency. Dowdle’s fantasy stock could take a big upturn if he wound up being the obvious lead back on a new team this offseason. The Chiefs, Saints and Texans come to mind as (our speculation) possibilities. Chuba Hubbard’s stock would similarly rebound if Dowdle took off to greener pastures.

Rotoworld

  • HOU Tight End #83
    Player Stats
    Personalize your Rotoworld feed by favoriting players
    Link copied to clipboard!

    The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander reports that Texans TE Marlin Klein “will have some sort of role” this season.

    Alexander also lists Klein behind TE1 Dalton Schultz and apparent TE2 Foster Moreau, so this isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. Klein has efficiently caught 4-of-5 targets for 62 yards thus far in the preseason, and OC Nick Caley unpromptedly complimented Klein’s run blocking. The latter aspect is likely Klein’s ticket to game-day snaps this season. Schultz is a trusted veteran. Klein will likely be a non-factor in fantasy this year, but perhaps he can gain some ground in-season and force the Texans to get him involved late in the year.
  • HOU Running Back #32
    Player Stats
    Link copied to clipboard!

    The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander believes the rushing workloads for Texans RB David Montgomery and RB Woody Marks “might not be 50-50, but it will be close.”

    According to Alexander, the Texans have utilized both running backs nearly evenly throughout camp. Texans OC Nick Caley “doesn’t typically go away from what’s working,” which could result in a hot-hand approach on game day. For now, Montgomery should be treated as the starter, but Marks looked good in last week’s preseason game and should be stashed on benches in 12-team leagues at the very least.
  • LAC Wide Receiver #89
    Player Stats
    Link copied to clipboard!

    Chargers WR Brenen Thompson (undisclosed) was seen practicing on Sunday.

    Thompson took first- and second-team reps in last Thursday’s preseason game against the 49ers. Chargers Nos. 2 and 2 WRs Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris were held out with what are believed to be minor injuries. Thompson eventually checked out of the game and entered the blue medical tent before being taken back to the locker room. He sported a yellow jersey today, which ESPN’s Kris Rhim dubbed the “working through something” jersey. He was likely a limited participant today. Thompson could be anything from a mid-to-late-season FLEX option to a part-time player stuck in a fantasy-unfriendly role. Keep an eye on his development and recovery.
  • SF Wide Receiver #5
    Player Stats
    Link copied to clipboard!

    The Mercury News’ Cam Inman reports that 49ers WR Mike Evans (quad) left practice early as a “precautionary” measure.

    It would be really nice to see Evans consistently practice in full at this point, but both Inman and ESPN’s Nick Wagoner appear mostly unconcerned by today’s development. Per Wagoner, Evans stopped practicing after running a deep route on Sunday. Evans “seemed to be moving fine” after exiting. Wagoner adds that it is “clear he and the Niners want to be cautious to get him to the regular season ready to go.” Evans’ soft tissue concerns remain present, but as long as he takes the field on game day, he is a WR2 with WR1 upside.
  • Link copied to clipboard!

    49ers WR De’Zhaun Stribling (shoulder) resumed practicing in a non-contact jersey on Sunday.

    The team labeled Stribling as “day-to-day” yesterday. His limited return is a good sign for his Week 1 availability. Hopefully, the 49ers’ impressive rookie is back in pads before long. He can still be drafted as a FLEX starter with WR3 upside at this time.
  • Link copied to clipboard!

    Texans signed S George Odum, formerly of the
    Colts

    .

    Odum, 32, was a standout special teams player for much of his career, earning first-team All-Pro (2020) and second-team All-Pro (2022) with the Colts and 49ers. He sandwiched three seasons in San Francisco between two stints in Indianapolis. If he makes the team, he is unlikely to play on defense.
  • LV Running Back #2
    Player Stats
    Link copied to clipboard!

    Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty “got hurt in practice today and could not put pressure on his leg when leaving the field.”

    According to the California Post’s Vincent Bonsignore, the Raiders “gathered as a team to acknowledge the injury” after Jeanty was helped off the field. ESPN’s Ryan McFadden believes it is a right knee injury. This sounds bad. We will provide an update as soon as possible. Raiders rookie RB Mike Washington is his direct backup and would likely operate as the team’s starter if Jeanty misses time.
  • Link copied to clipboard!

    Jets signed RB Dominic Richardson, formerly of the Titans.

    The Jets also brought aboard EDGE Anthony Dunn and S Tanner Wall. The Jets correspondingly waived WR Caullin Lacy, RB Sam Scott and EDGE Nate Voorhis with injury designations. It is possible the team will re-sign all three to injured reserve.
  • Link copied to clipboard!

    49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (tightness) said taking time off in training camp “was kind of part of the plan from the jump.”

    The most important takeaway is that McCaffrey has resumed practicing. Whether the planned aspect is true or not is secondary. That said, one wonders why the team chose to say their star running back was sidelined by “tightness,” rather than simply telling reporters he was taking veteran rest days, which is quite common for a 30-year-old player. McCaffrey said the team wanted him to “ramp up pretty big” early on, before taking time off, and later initiating another ramp-up period, “so we’re fresh for the duration.” McCaffrey says he feels “fresh” after taking nearly two weeks off. We would hope so. He’s a locked-in RB1 at this time.
  • Link copied to clipboard!

    ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Browns coach Todd Monken plans to announce the team’s starting quarterback on Monday.

    Second-year Browns QB Shedeur Sanders outplayed veteran QB Deshaun Watson on Saturday. Watson then followed up his poor performance with an ill-advised press conference, in which he briefly touched on the fan base’s “disrespectful” reaction to his 2024 Achilles tendon rupture, among other things. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier today that the team must decide whether Watson is “in a good enough space to be the leader for this team,” adding that Sanders’ “presence” and “aura” have helped him curry favor with people in the Browns’ organization. At the end of the day, Sanders is likely the better bet to provide the requisite passing game stability for a couple of Browns’ pass catchers to maintain weekly starting consideration in fantasy, though Sanders himself is unlikely to be anything more than a QB2 in superflex leagues.