Steelers' Kenneth Gainwell On The Verge Of A Rare First Since 1994 In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers reshaped their backfield in the 2025 offseason. It started with the obvious decision to move on from running back Najee Harris, opening the door for Jaylen Warren to take on the lead back role for the first time in his career. The Steelers also used their third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Iowa product Kaleb Johnson, signaling a commitment to revitalizing the position for years to come.

In addition to these moves, Pittsburgh added veteran, Super Bowl–winning running back Kenneth Gainwell on a one-year, $1.79 million deal. While initially seen as depth, Gainwell has been a pleasant surprise through the first 11 weeks of the season. Most notably, he has already recorded 36 receptions, just one shy of the team leader, wide receiver DK Metcalf, who has 37.

Although it’s not guaranteed that Gainwell will finish as the team’s reception leader, a lot would have to go right for that to happen. If he does, however, he would accomplish something no Steelers running back has done since the 1994 season, when John L. Williams led the team with 51 receptions. For a career backup, it would be a rare milestone and a significant highlight in Pittsburgh’s 2025 season.

So far in the 2025 season, Gainwell has quietly made a noticeable impact on the Steelers’ offense. He has carried the football 61 times for 244 rushing yards and scored three rushing touchdowns, showing flashes of versatility and reliability whenever called upon. But Gainwell’s contributions haven’t been limited to the ground game. 

He has also been a consistent weapon in the passing attack, emerging as the team’s second-leading receiver behind Metcalf. Through 11 weeks, Gainwell has hauled in 36 of his 42 targets for 204 receiving yards, adding two receiving touchdowns to his stat line.

When you combine his rushing and receiving numbers with the subtle ways he has influenced game flow, it’s clear that Gainwell’s presence has been felt in multiple facets of the offense. His ability to step in, make plays, and give opposing defenses a different look has added a layer of unpredictability that has benefited both Warren and the passing game. While not always flashy, Gainwell’s production has quietly contributed to the Steelers’ offensive balance and efficiency.

Steelers Got A Steal In Kenneth Gainwell

In many ways, Gainwell’s impact could easily be classified as one of the sneakiest, smartest moves of Pittsburgh’s 2025 offseason. Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith may have added him as a depth piece, but through his consistent production and multi-dimensional role, Gainwell has proven to be more than just a backup. 

His presence has reinforced the Steelers’ offense and given the team a reliable weapon in situations where versatility matters most, making his addition feel like a quietly brilliant offseason decision. With seven games remaining, all eyes will be on Gainwell as he attempts to quietly make history for the first time since 1994, more than 30 years ago.

Kenneth Gainwell is on track for a rare moment in Pittsburgh not seen since 1994. How important could this milestone be for him and the Steelers? Could it change the way the team uses him, or is it simply a nice moment for a backup to shine? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!

#SteelerNation