Who Should I Start? Kenneth Gainwell or Trevor Etienne

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.

Tuesday, May 13, 2:27 PM

Fourth-round rookie running back Trevor Etienne officially signed his rookie deal with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The former Florida Gator and Georgia Bulldog is the brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. He racked up 2,081 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground and 432 yards and one score as a receiver in 34 collegiate games. Etienne will have a chance to compete for touches with veterans Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle in a backfield that could shake out to be a pure committee. He could be on the fantasy radar in deep leagues, but he will likely go undrafted in most standard-sized 12-team setups. With Jonathon Brooks (knee) out for the season, Etienne should be monitored as a rookie as a potential late-season waiver-wire add.