The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding more help for their backfield ahead of a short-week game against a division rival.
The Steelers announced on Thursday that they elevated running back Lew Nichols from the practice squad, the second straight call-up for the physical back. Nichols will help add depth to an ailing backfield and could also provide some help on special teams.
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As the team noted, Nichols spent the 2025 season with the Steelers on their practice squad and returned on a reserve/futures contract after the conclusion of the season. He was elevated for one game last season, spending time on special teams in a Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
“Nichols was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, spending most of the season on the Reserve/Injured List. He has since spent time on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad,” the team noted. “Nichols played college football at Central Michigan where he rushed for 1,710 yards in 2021, leading the nation. He was the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.”
Nichols also earned a call-up for last week’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals, taking one carry for no gain.
“I really just stay even-keeled, man,” Nichols said, via Steelers Now. “Not getting too high, not getting too low. Just being grateful for whatever position I am in at that moment. Everything has pros and cons, so just staying humble, and really just making the most of my opportunity, but I’m not really too caught up on fame and things of that sort. But, definitely, when I get my opportunity, I’m gonna make sure they know exactly who I am.”
Steelers Ruled Out Rico Dowdle
The Steelers will be shorthanded for the second week after ruling out veteran running back Rico Dowdle.
That likely means another big workload for lead running back Jaylen Warren, who had 127 rushing yards and 49 receiving yards in last week’s win over the Bengals.
The Steelers did get some relieving injury news, with veteran defensive back Jalen Ramsey playing through a major wrist injury. As ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted, Ramsey was able to make it on short rest to join the lineup.
“Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (questionable, wrist) is expected to play tonight vs Cleveland, per sources,” wrote Fowler. “Broken wrist on three days rest and Ramsey still plans to play.”
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