When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran running back Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year, $1.79 million contract in March, nobody would have guessed that it would turn out to be one of the best signings of the entire offseason.
Despite reaching two Super Bowls and winning one during his four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gainwell played a complementary role as their backup running back. That was especially true during the Eagles’ title run last year, when he took a clear backseat to Saquon Barkley.
It looked like Gainwell would have a similar role with the Steelers as Jaylen Warren’s backup, which he held for much of the season. That’s changed lately, however, as he’s become a dominant force in Pittsburgh’s backfield down the stretch.
The Steelers have had one of the NFL’s worst offenses and rushing attacks for most of the season, but that hasn’t been the case recently. They’ve turned things around with at least 27 points in five of their last six games, and Gainwell’s a major reason why.
The 26-year-old back has topped 100 scrimmage yards four times and scored four touchdowns during that span, giving Pittsburgh’s scuffling offense a major boost and helping the team go 4-2. He’s done much of his damage through the air with 33 catches and 287 receiving yards during that time, emerging as one of Aaron Rodgers’ preferred targets and forming a dynamic duo with Warren.
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Gainwell already has career highs in rushing yards, scrimmage yards and touchdowns, so he’ll look to end the season on a high note and help push the first-place Steelers into the playoffs.
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Featured image via Lon Horwedel/Imagn Images