Dowdle was cleared to play and will be active for the Week 6 matchup in Tampa Bay after missing the previous three games with a toe injury. He entered Sunday listed as questionable but progressed through a limited practice on Wednesday and full practices on Thursday and Friday.
Dowdle suffered the toe issue in Week 2 against the New England Patriots, complicating plans for a one-two backfield punch with Dowdle and Jaylen Warren. Warren has stepped up in Dowdle’s absence, racking up 640 yards from scrimmage this season. In Week 2, Dowdle had 37 rushing yards on 15 carries (2.5 yards per rush) and four receptions for 28 yards.
With Dowdle active, rookie running back Eli Heidenreich will remain inactive for a fourth straight game. Other inactive players for Pittsburgh are wide receiver Ben Skowronek, quarterbacks Ben Skowronek and Will Howard, cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting, cornerback Terell Smith, and defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr. Howard will serve as the emergency QB3.
The Steelers will face the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at 1 p.m. ET.
The decision confirms Dowdle’s return to the backfield, joining Warren and, if needed, Travis Homer and Lew Nichols on Sunday. Nichols was added to the active roster from the practice squad for Week 6.
Pittsburgh’s receiving corps is dealing with injuries ahead of Week 6. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson are ruled out, with Pittman potentially facing an extended absence due to a football-related injury. Wilson was placed on injured reserve and will be eligible to return the week before Thanksgiving. Ben Skowronek is dealing with a calf injury but has not been placed on IR. He, too, will be available if he remains inactive or limited.
Dowdle’s return should bolster the Steelers’ offense, especially if the team leans more on the rushing attack with several receivers sidelined.
