Kenneth

Gainwell

Gainwell will join the Steelers after spending the first four years of his career with the Eagles. The 25-year-old has never had more than 84 carries in a season, but could be in line for more touches in the Pittsburgh offense. Fantasy managers will want to see what kind of role Gainwell gets in the Steel City, but it’s possible he could tandem with Jaylen Warren in 2025 with Najee Harris now with the Chargers. Warren still seems like the better bet for fantasy success, however.

Gainwell was not targeted in the passing game as the Chiefs managed to shut down Saquon Barkley. The Eagles’ lightly-used No. 2 back behind free agent All-Pro addition Barkley, role-player Gainwell had the quietest of contract years. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry to Barkley’s 5.8 and slumped to a career-low 16 receptions. Turning 26 in the opening days of free agency, Gainwell has 382 career touches, 102 of which have come through the air. Even with Barkley in tow, it’s quite likely the Eagles will value Gainwell more highly than any other franchise. He’s long been a coaching staff favorite. A one-year deal with a low-guaranteed base to remain in Philly is probably the most likely outcome.

Gainwell was limited in this week’s first practice but practiced in full on Thursday and Friday. Saquon Barkley’s primary backup is good to go. Whether the Eagles choose to meaningfully incorporate Gainwell is unknown but the backfield is at full strength.

Gainwell getting a full session in is a great sign for him being available for the Super Bowl against Kansas City on Sunday, but not a guarantee. The 25-year-old will be the backup to Saquon Barkley if he is able to go for the finale.

Gainwell told beat reporter Jimmy Kempski that he was still in the NFL’s concussion protocol on Monday, February 3, but his limited return to practice today is a positive sign. Hopefully, Gainwell can progress through all five protocol phases while also successfully rehabbing his knee injury.

It is unclear as to whether the Eagles gave Gainwell the week off or if he was unable to participate at all due to the concussion but next week’s Wednesday practice should clarify his status. Hopefully, Gainwell’s health is trending in the right direction.

The concussion forced Gainwell from play in the NFC Championship Game but the knee issue is new. No. 3 RB Will Shipley proved he can handle the Eagles’ primary backup role last week but Gainwell does have ample time to get back to being game-ready.

Gainwell rushed three times for eight yards and caught 2-of-2 for 16 yards before exiting. Gainwell’s backup, rookie Will Shipley, ran extremely well in his stead, rushing four times for 77 yards and one touchdown and returning three punts for 88 yards. Gainwell has two weeks to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol, with Super Bowl LIX kicking off on February 9th.

Gainwell managed 10 of 60 snaps with Saquon Barkley deservedly dominating the workload. He looked spry and effective on his runs, but of course there’s no reason to expect him to do more than this at this point. Gainwell had 11 carries in Week 18 as Barkley rested, but will be a two-minute drill and situational receiving back as usual in the Divisional Round.

Gainwell got the start with Saquon Barkley (rest) sidelined ahead of the NFC Wild Card round. The Eagles’ RB2 didn’t do much with the work given to him, with his longest carry on the day going for five yards. He was eventually replaced by rookie Will Shipley, who fared much better on the day, picking up 67 total yards on 14 touches. Neither back is expected to see much action this postseason as long as Barkley is healthy.