Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell Quickly Emerging As Top Special Teams Option

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves with one of the most promising young running back duos in the entire NFL. With both Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson widely expected to take the majority of the snaps at running back, many believe that the Steelers' offense will emerge as a top unit in 2025. With Warren and Johnson slated to take on the majority of the workload, former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell may find himself playing a bigger role on special teams rather than Pittsburgh's offense.

Entering his fifth NFL season, Gainwell is a solid running back who has shown flashes of potential throughout his first four seasons. The Steelers signed Gainwell to a one year deal earlier in the offseason, as the former Eagle should serve as a solid running back three (RB3) and should have no problem making a legitimate impact as a kick returner on special teams. Gainwell has a history of playing on special teams, as the former Eagle averages 22.7 yards on 36 career kick returns.

While giving an in depth look at Pittsburgh's current running back room, Steelers' insider Dale Lolley took a moment to write about Gainwell, and what his role is expected to be entering the 2025 season.

"Gainwell also is an accomplished kick returner." Lolley wrote. "Something the Steelers will utilize him to do, with Warren taking on more of a role in the offense."

Lolley's comments should not come as surprising to many, as Gainwell outplaying either Johnson or Warren throughout training camp is unrealistic. Gainwell is an excellent depth piece to have at RB 3, as the former Memphis Tiger should thrive throughout his role as the Steelers' kick returner. A fifth round pick in 2020, Gainwell has proven to make an impact on special teams throughout his entire career.

The former Eagle served as Saquon Barkely's backup throughout his final season in Philadelphia, while taking the majority of snaps on third down as well. Gainwell has averaged 4.2 yards per carry throughout his career, and should face no problem thriving in a primary special teams role. Gainwell may prove to play a role off the field as well, as the running back should be an excellent mentor towards Johnson. 

Steelers' Running Back Duo Emerging As One Of The Leagues' Most Promising

With both Warren and Johnson solidifying themselves as the Steelers one-two punch at running back, the team finds themselves with two of the most promising young backs in the entire NFL. Johnson, a third round selection in this years draft out of Iowa, is an elite rookie who has reportedly thrived throughout Steelers' mini camp and the offseason. Johnson is expected to make an instant impact on Pittsburgh's offense, and should become a beneficiary of Gainwell's presence as well.

Warren, who enters his first official season as the Steelers' top running back, should have no problem picking up right where he left off as a major weapon on the Steelers' offense. Warren is expected to thrive with Najee Harris no longer playing in front of him, as the young star is widely expected to perform at an elite level in 2025. 

With both Warren and Johnson slated to take the majority of the reps at running back in 2025, Pittsburgh may find themselves among the top offensive units in the league.

As the Steelers continue to prepare towards the start of training camp, Gainwell should face no problem taking on a special teams role. The former Memphis Tiger may be an excellent mentor for Johnson as well, as Johnson is expected to take on a major workload throughout his rookie season. With training camp beginning at the end of July, fans can expect to get their first glimpse at Pittsburgh's new look running back room in full pads in the near future.

Are you excited to watch Johnson and Warren in 2025? Comment Below!

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