Steelers designate Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle as backfield duo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 1:24 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2026 NFL season with Jaylen Warren serving as the primary running back and Rico Dowdle in the backup role. The team has adopted the nickname "This That" to describe the pair, acknowledging their diverse skill sets under new head coach Mike McCarthy. While Steelers legend Jerome Bettis suggested "Thunder and Lightning" for the duo, the organization opted for the alternative moniker. The backfield will support an offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the team transitions to a new scheme. Warren recorded 958 yards on 211 carries during the previous season, while Dowdle accumulated 1,076 yards on 236 attempts. Both players are expected to see significant time as the team looks to balance its offensive strategy.
- •Jaylen Warren enters the season as the starting running back for the Steelers.
- •Rico Dowdle serves as the team's second option in the backfield.
- •The Steelers staff refer to the duo as "This That".
- •Mike McCarthy takes over as head coach for the 2026 season.
- 1:24 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers news: Jaylen Warren-Rico Dowdle duo gets interesting nickname
"Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season is almost upon us, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have already settled some position battles during training camp. At running back, the Steelers will be rolling with Jaylen Warren as their number one option , with Rico Dowdle being RB2, at least heading into the new campaign. Both of them, of course, will have their time […] The post Steelers news: Jaylen Warren-Rico Dowdle duo gets interesting nickname appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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