Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or Kenneth Gainwell

Wednesday, July 23, 9:39 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.

Sunday, August 3, 10:13 AM

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.