Warren has 126 or more yards in three straight weeks without Dowdle. When he gets 20 or plus touches, he produces at one of the highest rates in the NFL. McCarthy said “Jaylen (Warren) is our feature player right now.” He also said that Dowdle is nearing a return, but the team will give Warren plenty of touches.

Also, Aaron Rodgers slammed media favorites and defended Jaylen Warren. That’s how good he’s been. Warren is a dual-threat back, so he helps Rodgers a lot on play-action and checkdowns.

Warren’s numbers are actually incredible

Jaylen Warren has 410 rushing yards, 230 receiving yards, and a total of two touchdowns in just five weeks. As of now, he ranks sixth in rushing yards, however he is the one with the least rushing attempts in the top 11.

Warren is also third in yards per attempt with 5.9, just below Kenneth Walker III (6.2) and James Cook III (6.0). All in all, Warren is proving to be a borderline elite weapon for the Steelers.

What does this mean for Rico Dowdle?

Dowdle was brought into this team to be a 1-2 punch alongside Warren. However that might change. Of course, the Steelers won’t want to burn Warren, but if he is taking 20 touches, then Dowdle must make Warren dip a bit. Still, judging by the words of McCarthy, Warren won’t have less than 15-17 touches.

In fact, if the Steelers are somewhat clever, they should trade Rico Dowdle to an RB-needy team like the Eagles, whose RB depth chart is dealing with plenty of injuries, or the Seahawks, who miss Kenneth Walker III a lot and have no running game.

Key takeaways

• Head coach Mike McCarthy named Jaylen Warren the Steelers’ feature player moving forward.
• Jaylen Warren logged 410 rushing yards and 230 receiving yards over five weeks.
• Warren ranks third in the NFL averaging 5.9 yards per rushing attempt.

Rodgers directed criticism toward the media for ignoring the strong performances of “emerging” players compared to higher-profile stars, offering his perspective in defense of his teammate.

Despite his success, the running back has not received much media attention, according to Rodgers. “They have their favorites and people that they want to talk about,“ Rodgers said during his press conference. “So it is what it is.”

Warren’s performance

Over five weeks, Jaylen Warren has been one of the NFL‘s top-performing running backs. The Pittsburgh Steelers running back accumulated 309 rushing yards and 143 receiving yards before the team’s Week 5 matchup. His performance proved even more dominant against the Indianapolis Colts.

In the 34-22 victory, Warren recorded 101 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. He added another 87 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, highlighted by a team-high six receptions.

Warren has gone overlooked since going undrafted in 2022. Early in the season, many predicted Rico Dowdle would consolidate the lead running back role in Pittsburgh. While an injury to Dowdle played a role in that outcome not materializing, Warren has earned the undisputed starting running back role moving forward.

Warren was already an underrated player who took an unconventional football path before joining the Steelers, playing for three college programs: Snow, Utah State, and Oklahoma State. Meanwhile, Rodgers remains one of the most popular players in the NFL, raising hope that Warren will begin to receive greater media attention and recognition for his contributions.

Key takeaways

• A 34-22 victory was secured by the Pittsburgh Steelers against Indianapolis in Week 5.
• 101 rushing yards and two touchdowns were recorded by Jaylen Warren in Week 5.
• Going undrafted in 2022, Jaylen Warren earned Pittsburgh’s starting running back role.

Per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Keenan Allen is expected to play in Week 5 vs Steelers after overcoming a groin injury. Allen missed Week 4 and was tagged as questionable for this game.

With Allen ready to go, the Colts will have a boost on offense. Given that Alec Pierce is still sidelined, all wideouts must step up to help quarterback Daniel Jones move the chains. Allen is notoriously a QB-friendly receiver.

Colts WR depth chart vs Steelers

With a big game in place, the Colts will rely on veterans to fill their depth chart. The fact of the matter is that this WR room, as it stands for the game vs Steelers, is not precisely stacked. However, Shane Steichen is a very good playcaller, and could draw some plays to still thrive. This is the full WR depth chart:

• Josh Downs
• Keenan Allen
• Laquon Treadwell
• Darius Slayton
• Anthony Gould
• Ashton Dulin
• Deion Burks

The Colts should rely heavily on TE Tyler Warren

Given that the team is dealing with plenty of injuries, the Colts should target Tyler Warren heavily. Warren is one of the best tight ends in the NFL, and he can handle full volume if needed.

Warren has 23 catches this season, grabbing all but four targets. He also has scored twice. Hence, he should be poised for a big-time role today against the Steelers, who are a tough defense.

Key takeaways

• Keenan Allen expected to return in Week 5 after overcoming a groin injury.
• Josh Downs and Keenan Allen lead Indianapolis’ wide receiver depth chart against Pittsburgh.
• Tyler Warren caught 23 passes for two touchdowns through four games this season.

Michael Pittman suffered a foot injury and according to Mike McCarthy, he re-injured and will miss a few weeks. In fact, the Steelers have ruled him out for the game against the Colts in Week 5.

Pittman was one of the biggest moves the Steelers did in the offseason. He was supposed to become Aaron Rodgers‘ best weapon, but between injuries and early-season woes, he hasn’t been able to.

Pittman’s numbers in the 2026 NFL season so far

Pittman has started three out of the four games so far this season. He has just seven catches for 89 yards so far. Pittman averages 70.3 receptions per season, but in his first year with the Steelers, he was on pace to just get 2.33 catches per game. Of course, it will be a bit higher given that he won’t play all 17 games, but it’s still heavily underwhelming in comparison.

Pittman played his first six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, so this was his first game against them after they traded him to Pittsburgh. Now, the biggest storyline in the game was taken away by injury.

Steelers also ruled out other players vs Colts

Jamel Dean and DeShon Elliott were also ruled out for the game against Colts. Given that Dean and Elliott are both defensive backs, the Steelers secondary might be in deep trouble trying to stop the Colts aerial weapons.

For instance, that should mean that wide receiver Josh Downs should be poised for a huge game. Tight end Tyler Warren is also in for a huge game if the Steelers can’t adjust properly on the defensive side of things.

Key takeaways

• Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is ruled out against Indianapolis after re-injuring his foot.
• Pittman has recorded seven catches for 89 yards across three games this season.
• Pittsburgh also ruled out defensive backs Jamel Dean and DeShon Elliott for Week 5.

The Steelers’ defeat in Cleveland was particularly painful because it came after Pittsburgh had opportunities to control the game. The television broadcast also captured several moments of frustration, including a heated exchange between McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers, while T.J. Watt was seen asking for headphones to question defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Those moments have inevitably fueled speculation about whether there are deeper problems inside the Steelers. McCarthy’s latest comments only added to the conversation, with his choice of words sounding far more serious than what would normally be expected from a team that is only four games into the season.

What did Mike McCarthy say about Steelers?

Mike McCarthy made his comments while explaining why the Steelers were using their extended break to focus on themselves before turning their attention toward the Colts. Rather than immediately beginning their normal opponent preparation, Pittsburgh spent additional time evaluating the problems that have appeared during the first four games. “We need to clean our own house. Our house is not clean right now.”

The statement immediately opened the door to speculation about possible changes within the Steelers, including potential trades or significant roster moves later in the season. Given the frustration already visible during the loss to Cleveland, the phrase “clean our own house” sounded particularly aggressive and quickly became a major talking point around Pittsburgh.

However, there is an important piece of context that has emerged from inside the locker room. Steelers players have indicated that McCarthy’s comments were about correcting mistakes on film, improving consistency and getting everyone on the same page rather than suggesting that the locker room is falling apart.

Pat Freiermuth specifically pushed back on the interpretation that there are major internal problems, saying the focus is on fixing correctable issues and winning the next stretch of games.

That distinction matters as Pittsburgh prepares for Indianapolis. McCarthy clearly believes the Steelers need to improve, but the evidence so far suggests his “clean our own house” message was primarily about self-scouting and correcting football mistakes. With a 2-2 record, the Steelers still have plenty of time to change their trajectory, but the pressure to do so will increase if the same problems continue against the Colts.

Key takeaways

• Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 5 with a 2-2 record after losing to Cleveland.
• Mike McCarthy made controversial comments saying “Our house is not clean right now.”
• Tight end Pat Freiermuth clarified the team’s focus is on correcting minor film errors.

Rodgers appeared frustrated by the delay in getting the next play call and directed an expletive toward the sideline. McCarthy then appeared to respond with profanity of his own, creating an exchange that quickly went viral on social media. The moment was particularly notable because of the long history between the quarterback and coach from their time together in Green Bay.

After the game, McCarthy acknowledged that the communication between the two got out of hand. Rather than dismissing the incident, the Steelers coach specifically expressed regret over the language he used while explaining that emotions can run high during an NFL game.

What happened between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy?

Mike McCarthy explained that communication on the field can become heated when players and coaches are competing, but he understands that the situation was different once the exchange with Aaron Rodgers was captured and broadcast to a national audience.

“Yeah, communication sometimes is not the best choice of words, but, everybody’s competing on the field. I think what’s said on the field, the way I grew up in this game, usually stays on the field. That’s not the case today. I understand that.”

The Steelers coach went even further when discussing his own role in the confrontation, making it clear that he was not happy with the words he used toward Rodgers.

McCarthy did not try to justify the language, instead acknowledging that he would have handled that part of the exchange differently. “Any negative communication on my part, I wish I wouldn’t use those words.”

The incident came during a difficult night for Pittsburgh, which eventually fell to 2-2 after the Browns hit a game-winning 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining. Rodgers and McCarthy were able to move past the sideline confrontation during the game, but the broadcast footage ensured the exchange would receive considerably more attention after the final whistle.

Rodgers also pointed to the atmosphere inside Cleveland’s stadium as a factor in the communication problems, saying the crowd noise made some calls difficult to hear. That context helps explain how a disagreement over play communication escalated so quickly, although McCarthy clearly believes he could have avoided making the situation worse with his choice of words.

For McCarthy and Rodgers, the incident adds another unexpected chapter to a relationship that dates back to their successful years together with the Green Bay Packers. The two have worked together for years and understand the intensity that comes with competing at the highest level, but this time their frustration was caught on camera for everyone to see.

Key takeaways

• Mike McCarthy expressed regret over profanity used during a 27-24 loss to Cleveland.
• The Browns secured the victory with a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining.
• Aaron Rodgers cited crowd noise in Cleveland’s stadium for causing communication issues on field.

The Steelers appeared to have done enough to complete a great comeback after erasing Cleveland’s lead and tying the game at 24-24. However, the Browns responded with a decisive final drive, moving the ball down the field before Andre Szmyt connected on a 56-yard field goal to give Cleveland the victory.

For Watt, the biggest source of frustration was how easily the Browns were able to move the ball during that final possession. The Steelers’ star defender admitted that allowing Cleveland to reach field-goal range so quickly was simply not good enough, especially with the game on the line.

T.J. Watt sends strong message after Steelers loss vs Browns

T.J. Watt did not try to hide his frustration when discussing the defeat and the missed opportunity to start the season 3-1. Now, the Steelers are in last place of the AFC North.

“It’s extremely frustrating to not be sitting here 3-1. It isn’t acceptable. Obviously, there’s a long season to go, but, we just have to put it together. I mean, even at the end of the game, it’s just way too easy getting down the field there and getting them in field goal range. Just got to look at everything and move forward.”

The Steelers’ defense now has to quickly correct what went wrong because the loss exposed a problem that could become increasingly costly as the season progresses. Pittsburgh had the Browns in a position where one defensive stop could have forced overtime, but instead Cleveland moved into scoring range and ended the game.

Watt also made it clear that Pittsburgh cannot afford to take too long to fix those problems. “We have to get better and get better quick. You just can’t move the ball that easily. You just can’t.” The message from the Steelers’ defensive leader was simple: the team has to respond immediately, because another performance like this could make it much harder to accomplish its goals later in the season.

Key takeaways

• T.J. Watt called the Steelers’ 27-24 loss to the Browns “extremely frustrating” after Pittsburgh fell short of a 3-1 start.
• Watt criticized the defense for allowing Cleveland to move the ball too easily on the final drive and reach field-goal range.
• The Steelers’ defensive leader emphasized that Pittsburgh must improve quickly before these mistakes become a bigger problem during the 2026 NFL season.

After tying the score at 24-24, the Steelers allowed Deshaun Watson to move the Browns into position for a decisive field goal. Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt then connected on a 56-yard field goal, giving the Browns a 27-24 lead with only 10 seconds remaining on the clock.

That left Pittsburgh with one final opportunity, but the Steelers’ last possession quickly became one of the most frustrating moments of the game. Rodgers had a timeout available and appeared to have an opportunity to move the ball closer to Chris Boswell’s field-goal range. Instead, the Steelers went for a desperate deep pass that failed to give them a realistic chance to tie the game.

Aaron Rodgers blew it on last play of Steelers game vs Browns

The biggest question surrounding the final play was why the Steelers did not use their remaining timeout to maximize their chances of reaching field-goal range. With 10 seconds on the clock, Pittsburgh still had an opportunity to complete a pass over the middle, stop the clock and potentially give Chris Boswell a chance from roughly 50 to 55 yards.

Instead, Aaron Rodgers appeared to look for a much deeper option and the Steelers essentially turned their final play into a Hail Mary. The decision immediately raised questions because Pittsburgh did not need a touchdown. The objective was simply to gain enough yards for Boswell to have a realistic opportunity to tie the game.

Replays made the decision even more difficult to understand. DK Metcalf appeared to be wide open in the middle of the field, giving Rodgers an option that could have produced significant yardage without requiring a desperation throw into the end zone. Had Rodgers found Metcalf, Pittsburgh could have called its timeout and potentially given Boswell one final attempt to tie the game.

The Steelers ultimately never got that opportunity. Instead of using the final seconds to create a manageable field-goal attempt, Pittsburgh’s final play ended without a realistic chance to score. Fans and analysts were left questioning whether the decision came from Rodgers, head coach Mike McCarthy, or the overall play design, because the Steelers still had a timeout and did not appear to need to take such a desperate shot.

Key takeaways

• Steelers lost 27-24 against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.
• Aaron Rodgers had a chance to tie the game with ten seconds remaining on the clock.
• Rodgers decided to throw a Hail Mary missing DK Metcalf wide open in the middle of the field.

Porter had already been dealing with a back injury and had not played in the Steelers’ first three games of the 2026 season. However, after the trade, the cornerback indicated that he could be ready to play for the Cowboys against the Houston Texans, making the timing of the move even more notable.

The trade also ended a complicated situation between Porter and the Steelers. The CB was entering the final year of his rookie contract, while Pittsburgh had been trying to reach an agreement on a long-term extension. Ultimately, the two sides could not find common ground, leading the Steelers to move on from one of their most important defensive players.

Why did Steelers trade Joey Porter Jr.?

The main reason behind the trade was the failure to reach an agreement on a contract extension. Porter wanted a long-term deal that reflected his value, while the Steelers and the cornerback’s camp could not find a number that satisfied both sides. There was ultimately no middle ground between the two parties.

Reports indicated that Pittsburgh had offered Porter a contract worth slightly more than $27 million per year, but the cornerback did not agree to the proposal. The Steelers also have a longstanding preference against negotiating contract extensions during the regular season, which made it increasingly difficult for the situation to continue without a resolution.

With Porter already dealing with a back issue and the contract dispute unresolved, the Steelers ultimately determined that trading him was preferable to allowing the situation to continue. Dallas, meanwhile, saw an opportunity to add a talented young cornerback who could potentially make an immediate impact once healthy.

For Porter, the move gives him a fresh start with the Cowboys and an opportunity to prove his value in a new environment. For Pittsburgh, the trade closes the door on a contract situation that had remained unresolved and gives the Steelers additional draft capital for the future.

Key takeaways

• Joey Porter Jr. was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• The Dallas Cowboys gave a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick for the cornerback.
• Porter could play on Sunday against the Texans despite a back injury.

The decision comes after Watson bounced back from a difficult Week 1 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran quarterback helped Cleveland win its next two games against Tampa Bay and Carolina, putting the Browns at 2-1 and keeping them in the AFC North race.

With Watson producing wins, Monken has maintained his original plan at quarterback. Sanders remains the Browns’ backup, and if Watson continues to lead Cleveland to victories, Shedeur could remain on the sideline for several more weeks.

Why is Shedeur Sanders still on the bench?

Todd Monken decided before the season that Deshaun Watson would be the Browns’ starting quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders behind him on the depth chart. The coaching staff has continued to follow that plan despite Watson’s struggles in the season opener.

Watson’s response over the following two games has been important. After the loss to Jacksonville, he helped Cleveland defeat Tampa Bay and then played a key role in the comeback victory over Carolina. The Browns now enter Thursday night’s AFC North matchup with a 2-1 record.

That record makes it difficult for Monken to justify making a quarterback change right now. Cleveland is competing for the division lead, and another victory over Pittsburgh would give the Browns even more momentum heading into the rest of the season.

For Sanders, that means his opportunity could depend heavily on what happens with Watson. If the veteran continues to perform well enough to keep Cleveland winning, Sanders could remain as the backup for the remainder of the 2026 season and his future with the team might be uncertain.

Dowdle did not practice during the week, making his absence increasingly likely ahead of the AFC North matchup. The short turnaround for Thursday Night Football also gives him limited time to recover, forcing the Steelers to prepare for the game without him.

His absence puts even more responsibility on Jaylen Warren, who is coming off a strong performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Warren helped the Steelers establish a more effective running game, giving the offense balance and creating more opportunities for Aaron Rodgers.

Who will play at RB today for Steelers vs Browns?

With Rico Dowdle unavailable, Jaylen Warren is expected to handle the majority of the workload against Cleveland. The Steelers will look to build on the offensive balance they found against Cincinnati, when Warren’s production on the ground helped open up the passing game for Rodgers.

Eli Heidenreich and Travis Homer are expected to provide depth behind Warren. Without Dowdle, Pittsburgh could lean heavily on its RB1, particularly if the Steelers want to establish the running game early and control the pace of the divisional matchup.

The Steelers and Browns enter Thursday night with identical 2-1 records, making the AFC North matchup particularly important. Pittsburgh will also be dealing with several personnel questions, including Jalen Ramsey’s status after suffering a broken wrist against Cincinnati.

For Dowdle, the Steelers will hope the toe injury does not become a long-term issue. For now, however, he is officially out against Cleveland, leaving Warren as the centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s backfield for Thursday Night Football.

Key takeaways

• Rico Dowdle is ruled out against Cleveland due to a toe injury.
• Jaylen Warren is expected to handle the majority of Pittsburgh’s backfield workload.
• Both teams enter the Thursday Night Football game with 2-1 records.