Updated October 11, 11:55 a.m. EDT: Dowdle is inactive and Allen is active, according to the lists released before kickoff.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle is inactive for a third straight game with his toe injury, while Indianapolis Colts receiver Keenan Allen is active and set to play through a groin problem at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, October 11.
Both outcomes matched the morning reports. Adam Schefter had said Dowdle was unlikely to play pending a look in warmups, and Jeremy Fowler had reported that the Colts expected Allen in the lineup. Pittsburgh’s other inactives are quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard, the third quarterback, running back Eli Heidenreich, defensive backs Jamel Dean and Terrel Smith, and defensive tackle Kevin Jobity Jr. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has a wrist injury, is active, and defensive tackle Yahya Black, questionable for a personal reason, is available.
Steelers inactives:
QB Will Howard (3rd QB), QB Drew Allar, RB Rico Dowdle, DT Kevin Jobity Jr., RB Eli Heidenreich; DB Jamel Dean; DB Terrel Smith— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) October 11, 2026
Dowdle’s slow return
Dowdle dislocated a toe in Week 2 against New England while trying to recover a fumble by Aaron Rodgers and has missed the past two games. He returned to practice on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday, and coach Mike McCarthy said after Friday’s session that he was making progress, without promising he would be ready.
With Dowdle out again, the load stays with Jaylen Warren, who has handled the backfield well in his absence. Warren has 220 rushing yards on 34 carries over the past two games, plus six catches for 82 yards. McCarthy has said he intends to use both backs once Dowdle is healthy.
A boost for the Colts’ passing game
Allen’s return gives Indianapolis a veteran option on a day when receiver Darius Slayton is inactive with a knee injury. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, also questionable, is not on the list. The Colts are also without linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ribs), receiver Ashton Dulin (hamstring), guard Dalton Tucker and Riley Leonard, the emergency third quarterback. Defensive end Arden Key went on injured reserve with a hamstring injury earlier in the week.
Colts WR Keenan Allen (groin) is expected to play today vs Steelers, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 11, 2026
Two 2–2 teams
Both clubs enter the afternoon at 2–2. Pittsburgh lost 27–24 at Cleveland in its last outing, decided by a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left, while Indianapolis beat Washington 30–13 in London last week.
What comes next
Follow the game on the Game Center and the latest injury report. The Colts host Tennessee next Sunday, October 18, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, and the Steelers visit Tampa Bay at the same time.
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