PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Kaleb Johnson has exciting potential. Jaylen Warren is the best returning back who has waiting for the opportunity to be the lead. Don’t forget about Kenneth Gainwell as part of the Steelers running back solution.
Gainwell has immersed himself into the Steelers culture and running backs coach Eddie Faulkner. He said he’s never gone through as many drills in his football career, but believes it will make him even better. Even allow him a shot to have a more significant role in the offense that he didn’t have in Philadelphia.
“I’m just doing my job,” Gainwell said during Steelers OTAs. “I’m not looking for one spot more than another. I’m looking for an opportunity and I’m going to continue to work my butt off each and every day to get it.”
He’s looking for an opportunity, an opportunity for more just the 70 carries he averaged four seasons in Philly.
It’s why he left the Super Bowl champs for the Steelers signing a one-year deal. He is betting on himself.
Last year he played a career low 26% of the offensive snaps. It’s not that he’s complaining, he believes he has more to give.
“I’m trying in a winning attitude each and every day,” Gainwell said. “The way I carry myself in the building. The way I come here on the field and attack the work. Just continue to grind each and every day and bring the attitude of championship winning each and every day and show these guys it can be done.”
In many ways he’s similar to Jaylen Warren. They are listed within an inch of each other in height, although Warren has a 15-pound advantage. They are similar in the way they play as well. Both have the ability to break a play, both are relentless. Warren is probably the better pass protector, but Gainwell can do that job.
Since he signed here, Gainwell talked about playing with Warren. Now they are at least practicing together.
“It’s been exciting seeing Jaylen’s power, seeing Jaylen’s work ethic,” Gainwell said. “That’s the same way I attack the game. I feel like we can collide off each other really good. Then bringing KJ along with us.”
KJ is Kaleb Johnson who forms a trio of running backs taking on the 274 carries a season Najee Harris averaged in four years. Steelers can rotate, find a hot-hand, whatever they desire.
He’s the new 14 in black and gold and trying to establish a different future for that number and himself.
“I think it’s going to be a great show,” Gainwell said. “I hope you are all ready for it.”