Dowdle better after twice dislocating his toe

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Out with a foot injury the last couple of weeks, Steelers tailback Rico Dowdle says he’s turning a corner with the Colts in town on Sunday.

Whether that means he’s playing is still in question.

Dowdle was the starting tailback the first couple of weeks before he eventually had to leave the Patriots game due to injury. That has meant Jaylen Warren played 90% of the offensive snaps against Cincinnati and four days later played 97% against the Browns.

Dowdle said he’s getting better, but will have to see how it goes during the first practice on Wednesday. He specified he’s dealing with a toe injury, on a toe he dislocated twice during the New England game.

“The first time I did it I came to the sideline and I’m like, I think my toe is broken,” Dowdle said Tuesday. “So I went to the tent and it was dislocated. They popped it back in, did the x-rays and nothing was broken. Once they popped it back in, I felt good, so I’m like I want to go back in the game and play.”

Dowdle said he talked the doctors into going back into the game and they warned him if it popped out again, you’re done.

It popped out again.

Now it’s about allowing the tissue heal, if he doesn’t, he will have to have surgery, which he is obviously trying to avoid. He called it annoying, but it’s an injury where you just have to take your time. Dowdle said it’s painful and a feeling like he has knots on the bottom of his feet.

The six-year veteran is impressed with how hard Warren plays and what he’s done in the last couple of games.

“I just want to be out there to help the team win from any aspect,” Dowdle said. “When you got two fresh backs out there rolling, I think it helps everybody.”