Kenneth Gainwell Keeps Proving He’s Built for More Than Just Third Downs
PITTSBURGH - Monday night in Pittsburgh, under the lights and with playoff implications in the air, Kenneth Gainwell reminded everyone - again - that he’s not just a change-of-pace back. He’s a difference-maker.
The Steelers rolled to a 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins, and while Aaron Rodgers did what he does best - command the game with poise and precision - it was Gainwell who provided the spark that kept the offense humming. Thirteen carries, 80 rushing yards (a crisp 6.2 yards per carry), and seven receptions for another 46 yards. That’s 126 all-purpose yards and a whole lot of headaches for Miami’s defense.
Rodgers didn’t hold back postgame when asked about his running back.
“It’s really every game,” Rodgers said. “That 38-yard run on a simple inside zone weak - just his vision, man.
It’s fun to watch. I can’t even repeat what I call him every week because there’s some expletives in there, but I love playing with him.”
That 38-yard run? It was vintage Gainwell - patience at the line, eyes scanning for the cutback lane, then boom - he hit the gas and was gone. According to Gainwell, the play was exactly what they expected.
“They was in a defense that looked good,” he said. “We knew the backside cuts would be there. I just pressed it and came out the backside and put on the burners.”
It’s that kind of vision and burst that’s made Gainwell such a vital piece of this Steelers offense. And Rodgers, who’s seen a lot of talented backs in his career, made it clear he’s been a Gainwell believer for a while.
“I told him a long time ago that my goal was to get him paid,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been a fan of his since he was in Philly.
Every time he went in the game, something good happened. He’s super smart, catches the ball, makes guys miss - I can’t say enough good things about Kenny.”
That praise isn’t just lip service. Gainwell’s numbers this season tell the story of a player who’s taken full advantage of his opportunity.
After signing a one-year, $1.79 million deal with Pittsburgh in March, he’s racked up 451 rushing yards on 93 carries (4.8 avg) and four touchdowns. He’s also caught 65 passes for 332 yards and two more scores.
That’s production that goes far beyond a typical third-down back.
And Rodgers isn’t the only one noticing. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave Gainwell his flowers after the game, especially for stepping up when the team needed him most.
“When things are less than ideal, that’s what we’ve come to expect from him,” Tomlin said. “Jalen missed Dublin, for example, and he played big out there.
He brings that energy, man. He’s a football player, and we’re thankful to have him on our team.”
It’s not just the stats or the highlight plays - it’s the consistency, the reliability, and the football IQ that stand out. Rodgers even pointed to something as simple as the team’s Friday pat-and-go drill - a basic over-the-shoulder catch routine - as a moment where Gainwell’s skills shine.
“He’s as fluid as anybody on the team catching the football,” Rodgers said. “For a guy that’s making damn near vet minimum, he’s been a tremendous asset to our team this year.”
Gainwell’s mindset? Stay ready and make the most of every snap.
“I know I have that in my bag,” he said when asked about being a featured back. “It’s just about showing it whenever you get an opportunity. When you get your chance to show it, you got to show it.”
He’s doing exactly that. And with the way he’s playing - and the endorsements coming from the top of the locker room - it’s hard to imagine the Steelers won’t be looking to keep him around beyond this season.
For now, though, Gainwell’s focus is on the next game, the next carry, the next chance to prove he’s more than just a situational weapon. He’s a game-changer - and he’s making it harder and harder for anyone to see him as anything less.