PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will head into their Week 3 AFC North showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals without two key contributors, while a handful of starters remain game-time decisions. According to the official injury report released Friday, Sept. 25, running back Rico Dowdle (toe) and offensive guard Gennings Dunker (knee) did not practice and have been ruled out for Sunday's divisional clash. The news, first reported via Bengals.com and circulated across league wire services, lands a significant blow to a Steelers offense still searching for consistency as the 2026 season reaches its first critical juncture.
Ground Game Takes a Hit
Dowdle's absence is particularly concerning for a Pittsburgh rushing attack that has yet to establish a reliable rhythm through two weeks. The veteran back, who joined the Steelers with expectations of complementing Jaylen Warren in a revamped backfield, now leaves the team thin at the position. Warren himself appeared on the report as a limited participant due to a shoulder issue and is officially listed as questionable. If Warren cannot suit up or is limited, the Steelers may be forced to lean on practice-squad elevations or adjust their offensive approach entirely — a scenario that could put added pressure on the passing game against a Bengals defense eager to exploit any predictability.
Offensive Line Shuffle Continues
Dunker's absence at guard compounds the challenge. The rookie offensive lineman has been a bright spot in pass protection, and his knee injury forces Pittsburgh to reshuffle its interior front. Maintaining pocket integrity against Cincinnati's front seven — which features its own share of disruptive talent — becomes paramount. As highlighted on Vulius, offensive line continuity is often the silent variable in divisional matchups, and the Steelers are now tasked with solving that equation on a short week.
Secondary Banged Up but Hopeful
On the defensive side, the Steelers are managing several nagging issues. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) — who has emerged as a trusted target in the passing game — was limited and is questionable. Cornerbacks Joey Porter Jr. (non-injury) and Jamal Dean (ankle) also logged limited work and carry questionable designations. The potential absence of Porter Jr., a rising star in the secondary, would be a massive loss against a Bengals passing attack that thrives on explosive plays. However, there is positive news: cornerback Jalen Ramsey (non-injury) and linebacker Cole Holcomb (personal) were full participants and do not appear on the injury report, suggesting both will be available Sunday.
"You deal with injuries in this league — it's next man up," a Steelers source told Vulius Sports. "But when you're missing a starting running back and a guard, it tests your depth. We've got guys who've prepared for this."
What It Means for Sunday
The Bengals, meanwhile, are relatively healthy and will look to exploit Pittsburgh's banged-up roster. Cincinnati's offense, led by its star quarterback and receiving corps, will test a Steelers secondary that may be without two of its top corners. For Pittsburgh, the path to victory likely runs through winning the turnover battle and controlling time of possession — a tall order without Dowdle and with Warren at less than 100 percent.
As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has emphasized all season, depth is the currency of contenders. Sunday will reveal whether the Steelers have enough in reserve to survive an early-season divisional test. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium. For the latest injury updates, analysis, and official Steelers merchandise, stay locked on Vulius.com.
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