Pittsburgh faces a backfield crisis against Cincinnati’s stifling defense as injuries to Rico Dowdle and Jaylen Warren threaten to derail an already struggling ground game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ running woes have a big storyline through the first two weeks.
The Steelers have rushed for 149 yards through their first two games, averaging 3.4 yards per rush. The offensive line has been a big reason for that problem, but Pittsburgh could be facing serious issues in the backfield when it hosts the Cincinnati Bengals for Week 3 on Sunday.
Per the Steelers’ injury report released on Friday, running back Rico Dowdle was ruled out for Sunday's game as he battles a toe injury. Dowdle has 37 yards on 15 carries this season, averaging just 2.5 yards per rush. He has caught four passes for 28 yards.
In addition to Dowdle being ruled out, the Steelers are not sure if leading back Jaylen Warren will play against Cincinnati. He was marked as questionable to play as he battles a shoulder injury.
Warren has 89 yards rushing on 21 carries through the first two games, averaging 4.2 yards per rush. He's caught seven passes for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is questionable to play with a foot injury. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is questionable to play because of NIR/conditioning. Cornerback Jamel Dean is questionable to play because of an ankle injury.
Rookie offensive guard Gennings Dunker was ruled out as he deals with a knee injury.
The Steelers have a lot of injury concerns on offense that are coming at a time when that side of the ball is not doing well. They're set to play a Bengals defense that allowed the Houston Texans to score just six points in Week 2. Texans running back David Montgomery was limited to 10 yards on six touches.
The question coming into the game is whether the Steelers offensive line can protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers enough to let the four-time MVP move the ball down the field with his arm.
If Rodgers is ineffective as a passer, it could be a long day for Pittsburgh.
Steelers offensive line needs to find an identity
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy wanted to find out what his offense was good at this week. Through the first two weeks, Pittsburgh does not know what that answer is because of the play of the offensive line.
McCarthy is hopeful the Steelers offensive line will improve as the team has some consistency with the lineup. He doesn't believe Pittsburgh has a talent problem.
