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Steelers’ Week 6 inactive list at Buccaneers: Rico Dowdle returns, Ben Skowronek out
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Sports/The Apex Times/Oct 18, 12:03 PM EDT

Steelers’ Week 6 inactive list at Buccaneers: Rico Dowdle returns, Ben Skowronek out

Tampa Bay brings a mix of absences and returns to the roster as Pittsburgh makes key lineup adjustments.

By The Apex Times Newsroom1 min readAI-assisted Apex article

The Steelers head into their Week 6 game at the Buccaneers with Rico Dowdle active after he missed the previous three contests with a toe injury, a personnel change that comes with added backfield depth.

Pittsburgh will be without receiver Ben Skowronek, who was ruled out with a calf injury. The team also notes that Skowronek’s impact goes beyond the offense because he had been selected to the Pro Bowl Games in 2025 for special teams.

Steelers also list reserves and depth pieces as inactive for the game, including quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard (third QB) plus cornerbacks Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith, and defensive lineman Kevin Jobity Jr., according to the team’s inactive report.

On the offensive receiving side, Pittsburgh expects an expanded role for rookie Germie Bernard after Roman Wilson was placed on the Reserve/Injured List and Michael Pittman Jr. was already on Reserve/Injured List.

The Steelers’ inactives against Tampa Bay also include running back Eli Heidenreich. On the Buccaneers’ side, the team lists Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr., and other starters and contributors including Sean Tucker and DeMonte Capehart among its inactives for the matchup.

Why It Matters

  • A Dowdle return reshapes Pittsburgh’s backfield options and reduces the strain on the remaining running backs.
  • Skowronek’s absence removes production that the Steelers emphasize extends to special teams, where he had recent recognition.
  • With Wilson and Pittman both unavailable, the receiving targets and package usage likely tilt toward Bernard and the active depth group.
  • The Buccaneers’ own inactive list, including key names on defense and offense, suggests both teams are operating with modified rotations in Week 6.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Rico Dowdle is active for the Steelers after missing the prior three games with a toe injury.
  • Ben Skowronek is inactive due to a calf injury, affecting both offense and special teams roles.
  • Roman Wilson was placed on the Reserve/Injured List, and Michael Pittman Jr. is already on Reserve/Injured List.
  • The Steelers expect rookie Germie Bernard to take on an increased role with Wilson and Skowronek sidelined.
  • Steelers inactives include WR Ben Skowronek, QB Drew Allar, QB Will Howard (third QB), CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting and Terell Smith, RB Eli Heidenreich, and DL Kevin Jobity Jr.
  • Buccaneers inactives include QB Baker Mayfield, CB Benjamin Morrison, S Antoine Winfield Jr., RB Sean Tucker, and DL DeMonte Capehart.
Steelers’ Week 6 inactive list at Buccaneers: Rico Dowdle returns, Ben Skowronek out | The Apex Times