Who Should I Start? Jonathan Ward or Kenneth Gainwell

Thursday, June 19, 3:13 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran running back Jonathan Ward on Thursday, the team announced on X. After signing with the organization last offseason, Ward spent the 2024 campaign rotating between the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in four contests, totaling five carries for 22 yards. The undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Central Michigan has spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Steelers during his five-year NFL career, compiling 91 rushing yards and 52 receiving yards with one total touchdown. The 27-year-old could find his way on an active roster for another team, but he'll likely have to make his mark on special teams.

Tuesday, March 11, 9:15 PM

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.