The Steelers watched RB Kenneth Gainwell agree to a deal with Tampa Bay on Monday and will apparently fill his spot with Rico Dowdle. Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the former Panther has reached agreement with Pittsburgh, though details are not yet available. Joining the Steelers will meet Dowdle back up with HC Mike McCarthy, who piloted the Cowboys for the entirety of Dowdle's time there.

WR Michael Pittman has been traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After signing Alec Pierce to a $28.5 million average annual salary, the Colts will move on from Pittman. The Steelers had little receiving depth behind WR D.K. Metcalf, so Pittman adds a No. 2 possession WR for HC Mike McCarthy's new offense. Unfortunately, the uncertainty around the Steelers QB position still makes Pittman a shaky fantasy asset, even if Aaron Rodgers returns.

ESPN's David Newton doesn't expect free agent RB Rico Dowdle to return to the Panthers. "Unless Dowdle wants to return at a bargain price, he appears headed to his third team in three seasons," Newton wrote via ESPN.

Steelers HC Mike McCarthy said at his introductory press conference that he'd "definitely" like to see QB Aaron Rodgers back for 2026. McCarthy took over the Packers' head job in 2006, Rodgers' second NFL season. The pair spent the next 13 years together, encompassing five of Rodgers' six best fantasy seasons. Rodgers was serviceable for Pittsburgh this past year, completing 65.7% of his passes at 6.7 yards per attempt. He ranked 21st among 36 qualifying QBs in Pro Football Focus passing grade. Rodgers is a net neutral at best at this point of his career, but he might be the best the Steelers can do at QB for 2026. Daniel Jones and Malik Willis lead the free-agent QB class, and the draft crop looks weak.

According to multiple reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to hire former Dallas Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy as their next head coach. McCarthy compiled a 185-123-2 record (including playoffs) in 18 seasons at the helm, first in Green Bay from 2006-2018 and in Dallas from 2020-2024. McCarthy sat out last season after parting ways with the Cowboys, where he led Dallas to a 50-38 record, including 1-3 in the postseason. McCarthy becomes just the fourth HC for the Steelers since 1969, following Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. QB Aaron Rodgers expressed an interest in reuniting with McCarthy, and could give Pittsburgh one more year of average QB play as a band-aid option in the wide-open AFC North.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin informed the team that he is stepping down as the head coach. The Steelers now will be looking for only their fourth head coach since 1969. Mike Tomlin has had a historic run as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. He never had a losing season in 19 years as the Steelers' head coach. With one Super Bowl win and one loss, he made his mark on the franchise.

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (toe) is not listed on the final Week 18 injury report. He was held out on Wednesday but put in full practices on Thursday and Friday. The toe shouldn't be a factor in Saturday's game against the Buccaneers. Carolina leaned on the pass in the Week 16 meeting against Tampa Bay, and Dowdle finished with just 29 rushing yards on nine carries.

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (toe) returned to a full practice on Wednesday. He'll be ready for lead duties in this weekend's game vs. the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay held Dowdle to 43 scoreless yards in their Week 16 meeting.

Panthers RB Rico Dowdle missed Tuesday's practice with a toe issue. HC Dave Canales labeled him "day to day," so it doesn't sound like this is something that will keep Dowdle from playing against the Buccaneers on Saturday. But we'll keep you updated on his status over the next few days. RB Chuba Hubbard would step into a workhorse role if Dowdle missed Week 18.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington broke his arm in Sunday's loss to the Browns, HC Mike Tomlin said afterward. That'll keep Washington from playing in Week 18's must-win game vs. the Ravens. And he'll likely miss all of the playoffs if Pittsburgh gets there. Washington's absence should mean more snaps for TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington is questionable to return to Sunday's game vs. the Browns with a forearm injury. Pittsburgh is already down WRs D.K. Metcalf and Calvin Austin today. We'll update Washington's status when we know more.

Update: Washington has been ruled out.

Colts WR Michael Pittman suffered a calf injury in the first half of Sunday's game vs. the Jaguars. He's officially questionable to return. We'll update his status when we know more.

Update: Pittman returned in the second quarter

Steelers Edge T.J. Watt will miss a third straight game this week following the procedure for his partially collapsed lung. NFL Network reports that he's expected to be ready for Pittsburgh's next "meaningful" game.

The NFL is suspending Steelers WR DK Metcalf two games for "initiating a physical confrontation with a fan" amid Sunday's win over the Lions. Metcalf is appealing the suspension, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Steelers RB Jaylen Warren is active for tonight's game vs. the Dolphins. He was added to the injury report as questionable with an illness this morning. It adds a little risk to his Week 15 profile, but we're ultimately expecting Warren to play his usual role tonight.

The Steelers have added RB Jaylen Warren to the injury report as questionable for tonight's game against the Dolphins with an illness. His absence would obviously give a large boost to Kenneth Gainwell and likely get rookie RB Kaleb Johnson more involved.

Before their Week 14 bye, it looked like the Carolina Panthers were shifting to a committee backfield with Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. But in Week 15, Dowdle out-carried Hubbard 16-8 and scored a TD to reclaim his status as Carolina's lead back. Neither back had much success against the Saints, who held the duo to a combined 3.25 yards per carry as New Orleans pulled off a 20-17 upset win.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington has cleared concussion protocol and will play vs. the Dolphins on Monday night, the team announced. He'll continue splitting snaps with TEs Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Those guys are only in play in one-game daily contests.

Steelers TE Darnell Washington (concussion) is questionable for Monday night's game vs. the Dolphins. He was limited in practice all week. We might not know Washington's status for this one until Monday. Avoid Pittsburgh TEs in Week 15 fantasy lineups.

Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf (abdomen) practiced all week and is not listed on the final injury report for Monday night's game against the Dolphins. He should be ready for his usual role in that one and is safe to get into Week 15 fantasy lineups.