Overview
- The team released its first 2026 depth chart on Wednesday listing Jaylen Warren as the No. 1 running back and Rico Dowdle as the No. 2 while naming Mason Rudolph the primary backup quarterback and rookie Drew Allar fourth on the QB chart.
- Reporters called the RB ordering surprising because training camp reports showed Dowdle taking many first‑team reps over Warren in recent practices.
- The Steelers have emphasized that the depth chart is an early snapshot and that coaches have mapped specific roles and packages for both Warren and Dowdle so the listed order may not determine in‑game snap splits.
- Dowdle arrived on a two‑year free‑agent deal after back‑to‑back 1,000‑yard seasons and has prior experience with coach Mike McCarthy from Dallas, factors that fueled expectations for him to push for the starting job.
- Allar’s draft status makes him likely to make the roster which raises stakes for the QB backups and means the preseason and roster decisions in the coming weeks will determine who keeps the No. 2 job.