Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has cooled off significantly after his breakout Week 4 performance. With Jaylen Warren returning to full strength, Gainwell has managed just nine carries for 36 yards over the past two games. Over that span, Gainwell has played 36% of the snaps, while Warren has commanded 61%, establishing himself as the team's lead back. Gainwell now profiles as a third-down back and a handcuff option in fantasy formats. While Gainwell could offer some PPR upside, unless Warren misses time, Gainwell holds little standalone fantasy value moving forward.
Oct 23, 2025 10:32 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was quiet in Week 7, handling just three carries for 14 yards and gaining only one yard on two receptions in a 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, backfield mate Jaylen Warren exploded for 158 total yards on 20 touches. Although Gainwell impressed when Warren missed Week 4, it is clear that he will operate in a purely complementary role as long as both backs are healthy. He could occasionally contribute in the passing game as a check-down option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but Gainwell's standalone fantasy value has taken a significant hit over the past two weeks. The fifth-year pro will likely be dropped in shallow redraft leagues and should be viewed as a handcuff heading into a Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Oct 21, 2025 9:53 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell earned 12 opportunities in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns and should remain involved in another divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. With Jaylen Warren handling RB1 duties, Gainwell can't expect a heavy workload, but he could still make some noise for fantasy purposes. Cincinnati has struggled to contain opposing running backs both on the ground and through the air this season, surrendering the most fantasy points per game to the position. Gainwell doesn't need to be rostered in all redraft leagues, but he's a viable flex option in a pinch on Thursday night.
Oct 15, 2025 8:53 PM EST
In Week 4, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was a late inactive with a knee injury, and backup Kenneth Gainwell took full advantage of an expanded role, turning his 25 opportunities into 134 yards and two touchdowns. Following a Week 5 bye, Jaylen Warren was back in the lineup for the Steelers' Week 6 win over the Browns, pushing Gainwell back into a supporting role. Warren saw 31 snaps to Gainwell's 20, and out-touched him 13-12. The silver lining for Gainwell is that he caught all six of his targets, but turned that into only 14 yards. In a game that the Steelers led from start to finish and ran only 58 plays to the Browns' 74, it's entirely possible that Warren could have seen more work if not for it being his first game back. Warren is still the Steelers' starting back, but even if the team employs both players in a closer split, Gainwell lacks the explosiveness to turn his limited touches into anything that can be reliably trusted for fantasy.
Oct 14, 2025 2:53 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell played incredibly well in Week 4 and will return from a bye to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. Though he should still be involved, the return of Jaylen Warren (knee) certainly puts a cap on Gainwell's upside. To make matters worse, Gainwell will need to overcome a Cleveland defense that has limited opposing backs to the third-fewest fantasy points per contest. Because he can contribute in the passing game, Gainwell isn't entirely touchdown-dependent, but it's difficult to expect another big performance. Fantasy managers should treat Gainwell as a low-end flex option that can be started in a pinch this week.
Oct 10, 2025 11:22 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell exploded in Week 4's game in Ireland, but fantasy managers should temper expectations moving forward. With Jaylen Warren sidelined against the Minnesota Vikings, Gainwell took full advantage of the opportunity, racking up 134 total yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. With Warren practicing ahead of Week 6, the former Eagles back will return to his RB2 role in the offense. A tough Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns looms large, as Cleveland has allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL through five weeks. Even if he continues to earn touches behind Warren, Gainwell remains a risky fantasy start this week.
Oct 9, 2025 10:31 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell "looked like a lead back" in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings and "has earned more time," according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. With Steelers RB1 Jaylen Warren (knee) missing the team's final game before their bye week, Gainwell logged 134 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 25 total touches. Per Fowler, the Steelers are "hoping there are plenty of carries for both" running backs going forward. When Warren is healthy, Gainwell's role will likely be somewhat limited. Still, Gainwell should be a priority waiver wire addition heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Oct 7, 2025 11:08 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell was inserted into the number one running back role when Jaylen Warren (knee) was a late scratch from Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Gainwell tallied 99 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries in the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Vikings. He also caught all six of his targets for 35 yards and scored from one and four yards out. Gainwell has solidified himself as the team's clear-cut number two back, and will be a hot waiver-wire pickup this week if he wasn't already rostered. With the Steelers heading into their Week 5 bye week, Warren may likely recover and return in Week 6 as the primary back for the Steelers; however, based on the way that Gainwell played on Sunday, it's likely he gets more involved down the stretch.
Sep 29, 2025 9:15 AM EST
With Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) inactive on Sunday, Kenneth Gainwell performed well in the lead role, putting up 134 total yards and two touchdowns in a win against the Minnesota Vikings. Crucially, Gainwell was a highly involved pass catcher who saw a team-high six targets, all of which he caught, for 35 yards. He added 99 rushing yards on 19 carries and a pair of touchdowns, a well-rounded day for managers who made him a late addition to their starting lineups. But with Pittsburgh on a bye in Week 5 and Warren likely to be back, Gainwell will likely return to the No. 2 role when the Steelers are back in action.
Sep 28, 2025 1:04 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is expected to see an increased role during Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers are going to be without lead back Jaylen Warren (knee) for this game. That being said, Gainwell figures to be the lead back for this game. He has mainly been the receiving back through three weeks, but should see more carries in this one. Fantasy managers in desperate need of help should consider Gainwell a low-end flex option for this weekend. Also, Kaleb Johnson and Trey Sermon figure to be in the mix, but Gainwell is likely to see a bulk of the carries. Fantasy managers needing help should act fast with this being an early game in Dublin.
Sep 28, 2025 8:31 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell scored his first touchdown of the season last week and will look to build on that momentum against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. Minnesota has been strong against the run, allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points and just one total touchdown to opposing backs this year. While the matchup doesn't set up favorably for Gainwell, Jaylen Warren (knee) is questionable, which could open the door for additional opportunities. Warren is expected to suit up in Ireland, but it's unclear if he will receive a full workload. Although Gainwell logged his lowest snap share of the season in Week 3, he could return to the 40-50% range he held over the first two weeks if Warren is limited. If Warren is surprisingly ruled out, Gainwell would rise to back-end RB2 territory, but for now, he's best viewed as a desperation flex play.
Sep 26, 2025 6:54 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell scored his first touchdown of 2025 in Week 3, finishing the game with 26 yards from scrimmage and a score on five total touches. Gainwell scored on a one-yard run after lead Steelers back Jaylen Warren was stopped on consecutive goal-to-go opportunities. Gainwell has just 85 yards from scrimmage on 23 total touches through Pittsburgh's first three games, so he's still only fantasy-relevant as a handcuff option to Warren. Still, he's clearly ahead of Steelers rookie Kaleb Johnson on the backfield depth chart, and Gainwell should be added where available in all PPR-scoring leagues with 12 or more teams.
Sep 22, 2025 11:00 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has seen a surprising amount of opportunities through the first two weeks of the season and should be involved against the New England Patriots in Week 3. With rookie Kaleb Johnson off to a slow start, Gainwell has been the primary change-of-pace option behind Jaylen Warren. That role, however, hasn't produced much fantasy value, as he's mustered only 59 total yards on his 18 touches. On the plus side, Gainwell's nine targets are fourth-most on the Steelers, and New England has struggled to limit opposing backs in the passing game. Still, the 26-year-old is best viewed as a handcuff and should only be considered as a flex play in the deepest of starting lineups.
Sep 19, 2025 7:21 PM EST
While Kenneth Gainwell outsnapped teammate Jaylen Warren in Week 1 (30-25), the roles reversed in Week 2 with the latter leading the duo 36-26. Despite less time on the field, the 26-year-old picked up five targets -- again besting his backfield mate in that category. Warren still out-gained him in totality -- and handily, 134-36 -- but there's still a lot to like about his usage. For starters, the Steelers are throwing the ball at one of the league's highest rates (63.7%), and Gainwell still holds the edge over rookie Kaleb Johnson in the pecking order. Johnson should take over in due time, but while he's still adjusting to the pros, Gainwell carries value as the handcuff to own.
Sep 15, 2025 11:43 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell will look to make more of an impact in Week 2 when his team takes on the Seattle Seahawks at home. With rookie rusher Kaleb Johnson toting the rock just once in his NFL debut last weekend, Gainwell operated as the team's clear-cut No. 2 backfield option. The former Philadelphia Eagle didn't turn his touches into much, but he saw just four fewer carries than teammate Jaylen Warren, and out-targeted him 4-2. Warren handily outgained him, though Gainwell should see decent volume on a team that has split backfield work over the past few campaigns. His standalone value is slightly diminished as of now, and stands to take a hit eventually when Johnson garners a larger workload. Still, he's ahead of him in the pecking order for the meantime. Gainwell is RotoBaller's PPR RB47 ahead of Week 2.
Sep 12, 2025 11:35 AM EST
Going into the season as a fantasy afterthought, Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Kenneth Gainwell was the running back on the field for the majority of his team's Week 1 snaps. In a back-and-forth matchup with the New York Jets, Gainwell saw 29 snaps to Jaylen Warren's 25. While Warren did lead the position in carries and total opportunities, most expected his split to be with rookie Kaleb Johnson and not the journeyman Gainwell. In speaking with reporters on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin suggested that Gainwell could continue to see the field moving forward, citing the big-play ability he's shown throughout his career. While Gainwell deserves a look on the waiver wire by any managers hit hard by injury in Week 1, the expectation is still that the third-rounder Johnson, who saw only one snap in his NFL debut, will be worked into the offense, shortening Gainwell's fantasy shelf life considerably.
Sep 9, 2025 2:32 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell is set to make his regular-season debut for the team in a Week 1 contest against the New York Jets. Gainwell, who spent the first four years of his career in Philadelphia, is listed as Pittsburgh's RB2 to open the campaign and should mix in behind Jaylen Warren. While rookie RB Kaleb Johnson is expected to eventually carve out a significant role, it may take some time before he earns snaps over the proven veterans. Still, it's unlikely that Gainwell offers much fantasy value, especially in this matchup. The Jets were solid against opposing backs last season, and Sunday's contest isn't projected to be high-scoring. Fantasy managers can keep an eye on his usage, but Gainwell can be left on waiver wires for the time being.
Sep 5, 2025 11:01 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised running back Kenneth Gainwell's versatility as both a rusher and a receiver, saying that Gainwell has a "well-rounded game." Mike DeFabo of The Athletic writes that Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been deploying Gainwell "in a variety of roles, including outside at receiver." Gainwell signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh this offseason after spending the first four years of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. In 17 games last year with Philadelphia, he recorded 406 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 91 total touches. Gainwell figures to be part of a Steelers' backfield committee that also features Jaylen Warren and rookie third-rounder Kaleb Johnson. Arthur Smith has shown a preference for utilizing multiple running backs in the past, and it sounds like Gainwell's usage could cut into the fantasy production for both Warren and Johnson.
Aug 3, 2025 10:13 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell has been getting work in the team's passing game thus far in training camp. Gainwell, who signed with the Steelers this past offseason after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, has caught more passes (6) than he has had carries (5) through four practices. That may be a sign of things to come as the Steelers could opt to utilize him in a pass-catching role while rookie Kaleb Johnson handles the early downs and short-yardage situations. Gainwell showed skill in the passing game while with the Eagles, catching 102 of 138 targets across 66 career games. The veteran back is worth a look as a dart-throw option in the later rounds of fantasy drafts this summer.
Jul 29, 2025 9:10 AM EST
The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing an undisclosed one-year deal with former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell on Tuesday night, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Gainwell will stay in the state of Pennsylvania and become the change-of pace option behind Jaylen Warren after Najee Harris left in free agency to join the Los Angeles Chargers. The 25-year-old will most likely be used more as a third-down option for Pittsburgh in pass-catching situations. In his four years with the Eagles, Gainwell had 280 carries for 1,185 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and 12 rushing touchdowns while adding 102 catches on 138 targets for 721 yards and an addition touchdown in 66 games (four starts). The Steelers still also have running back Cordarrelle Patterson to share the workload. At best, Gainwell will be a low-ceiling RB3/flex in point-per-reception leagues in his new home.
Mar 11, 2025 9:15 PM EST
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