One of the bigger controversies for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense this season has been the usage of running back Jaylen Warren.
Despite playing at a high level, there have been times this season where Warren has gone missing from the offense, even when he's having a good game. His lackluster usage in the passing game and on third downs has also been a source of frustration.
That's because the Steelers insist on keeping backup running back Kenneth Gainwell involved, and rightly so, as Gainwell has proven to be an effective playmaker when given opportunities.
In fact, he ranks fourth on the team in receiving yards and is tied with DK Metcalf for the most catches on the team, which is also an indictment on Pittsburgh's pass-catchers outside of Metcalf.
After Gainwell out-snapped and out-produced Warren in the Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, ESPN's Bill Barnwell explored the idea that Gainwell might be passing Warren on the depth chart.
Ultimately, he ruled that is not the case.
Kenneth Gainwell is passing Jaylen Warren on the Steelers' RB depth chart. OVERREACTION. Gainwell had 92 rushing yards to Warren's 68 on Sunday, and he added 30 receiving yards on six catches. But Warren still had nearly twice as many carries (18 to 10) and the Steelers still view him as their starter and their main back. They do love Gainwell and enjoy using their running backs and tight ends, so hold on to Gainwell if you have him. But don't expect him to suddenly become Pittsburgh's featured back.
As Barnwell notes, Warren had eight more carries than Gainwell on Sunday, and he had two more touches overall, with Warren seeing 18 to Gainwell's 16.
It's also important to note that the Steelers were playing from behind for the entire second half, which is a positive game script for Gainwell, who, as we mentioned, has been the Steelers' primary pass-catching back.
That is hardly evidence that the Steelers are in the process of handing the reins of the backfield to Gainwell, but it does show Pittsburgh is intent on sticking with a split that is closer to 50/50 than not.
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