Pittsburgh Steelers’ new running back Kenenth Gainwell comes over from the Philadelphia Eagles after winning a Super Bowl with the team.
Gainwell’s game shines as a third-down back, and Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora believes that Gainwell could end up with more receptions than rushes this season, putting him in a rare spot in franchise history.
If Gainwell were to finish with more receptions than rushes among players with ten or more in each category, Gainwell would be just the fourth player in Steelers history to accomplish that feat.
Gainwell would join Verron Hayes in 2006, Rodney Carter in 1989, and Rich Erenberg in 1985. All of those players qualify for this category, with Carter having the largest discrepancy with 38 receptions to 11 carries.
Gainwell did not come that close to hitting this mark last year as the true backup to Saquon Barkley. He had 75 rushes and 16 receptions, but with the Steelers adding Kaleb Johnson and still having Jaylen Warren, Gainwell’s playing time will likely come on third downs and passing situations where his skill set flourishes.
In 2024, he had just 290 rushing yards on 75 carries, but his receiving upside and pass protection brought his value to the table. Gainwell had 16 catches for 116 yards as an all-around running back.
On top of that, Gainwell has kick return experience, having 37 returns with 612 yards in his career. Gainwell likely slots in as the team’s starting kick returner.
That could set him on a path to achieving a milestone that has not happened in the organization since 2006.