Kenneth Gainwell was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 as a fifth-round pick from the University of Memphis. Since then, he contributed to the Eagles’ Super Bowl in 2025 and is now a featured back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On March 13, 2025, the Steelers signed Gainwell to a one-year deal after the departure of running back Najee Harris. Harris took his talents to the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal himself before suffering a gruesome achilles tendon injury on Sept. 21 against the Denver Broncos.
Harris’ departure left Jaylen Warren as the lone lead back, and the Steelers were looking for depth. Gainwell caught the eye of head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers organization.
Gainwell rushed the ball for 20 yards and caught the ball three times for 40 yards in the victory, and helped the Eagles convert on key third downs.
He finished the 2024-25 season rushing for 290 rushing yards and 116 receiving yards and became a Super Bowl Champion. With Saquon Barkley casting a wide shadow, Gainwell went elsewhere to pursue a new opportunity.
Gainwell’s Breakout Season
In 2025, Gainwell is breaking out with the Pittsburgh Steelers and provides a new element on offense as a dual-threat running back. Although Warren is still the No. 1 option, he still gets plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
Early on in the 2025-26 season, Gainwell proved his value in a Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. After Warren missed the game with an injury, Gainwell was the first option and rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns in the Steelers’ 24-21 victory. He also had six receptions for 35 yards.
In Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, Gainwell rushed for 92 yards and had 30 receiving yards, including a 56-yard play on fourth-and-1 on a reverse from the Spartan formation. The Steelers ultimately lost to the Bears 31-28, but he proved that he was worth the one-year deal again.
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In the past two weeks, Gainwell has performed at a high level to help the Steelers continue their winning ways in a tight division race with the rival Baltimore Ravens.
Against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15, Gainwell rushed for 80 yards and had 46 receiving yards in the 28-15 win.
Superstar Focus
In Week 16 against the Detroit Lions, Gainwell and Warren showed just how dynamic a duo they could be together. Warren had two 45-yard rushing touchdowns alongside Gainwell’s spectacular catch for a 45-yard receiving touchdown before halftime.
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In his postgame presser, he explained that he lost the ball in the lights and had to put his hands out and hope to catch it. The play not only highlights Gainwell’s focus but also his elite receiving skills for a running back.
The duo helped the Steelers rush for 230 yards, the most by its offense since 2016 when Le’Veon Bell was in the backfield. The Steelers improved to 9-6 and took a narrow 29-24 victory against the Lions.
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According to PFF, since Week 11, Jahmyr Gibbs and Gainwell are the two running backs with the most receptions. Gibbs has 40 receptions compared to Gainwell’s 33.
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As the season comes to a close and the playoff push heats up, the Steelers have a decision to re-sign Gainwell after his breakout year. With Warren and Gainwell in the backfield, the Steelers would have a duo that continues to be in contention.
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