Rico Dowdle is listed as the second-string running back on the Pittsburgh Steelers' initial depth chart.
Rico Dowdle landing as the clear second-string back on Pittsburgh's initial depth chart is a mild negative for his fantasy stock as you build draft boards. Depth chart placement in August isn't destiny, but starting behind the presumed lead back signals the coaching staff's early pecking order, and that matters for touch projections in a Steelers backfield that historically leans on a primary ball-carrier. Treat Dowdle as a bench stash or late-round flier rather than a player you're drafting for guaranteed volume — his value is tied to touches he's not currently projected to get, and handcuff-style picks are riskier than proven starters.
Mason Rudolph's appearance in this cluster is incidental; nothing in the sourced material speaks to his role or fantasy outlook, so don't read anything into his QB standing from this report alone.
For draft prep, keep Dowdle firmly in the "monitor" tier. If you're in a deeper league or one that rewards handcuffs, he's worth a very late-round dart throw given his prior usage and the chance depth charts shift before Week 1, but don't reach for him assuming lead-back volume. In shallower formats, he's droppable filler unless further roster news (injury, trade, camp performance) elevates him. Confidence here is high on the fact itself — both sources confirm the depth chart listing at 95% — but low on what it ultimately means for regular-season workload, since preseason depth charts are frequently fluid. Revisit this after joint practices and preseason snaps clarify who's actually getting first-team reps.
The Steelers have released their first depth chart of the season and it does not include running back Rico Dowdle among the starters.