Maybe the Pittsburgh Steelers are bought into Kenneth Gainwell's name.
Think about it: Could a running back have a much better last name than Gainwell?
Whatever the reason, though, the reality was that Pittsburgh used Gainwell way more than expected in the season-opening win over the New York Jets.
Gainwell finished with more snaps than either Jaylen Warren or Kaleb Johnson, and Warren only barely out-touched Gainwell.
“I’m just happy I got a chance to get an opportunity to play ball again,” Gainwell told reporters after the game.
But will it happen again?
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Will Steelers use Kenneth Gainwell this much again?
The Steelers signed Gainwell this offseason as a free agent from the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Given that they sought him out, they clearly liked what he brings to the table.
Gainwell said after Sunday's game that, when he signed, he hadn't pictured this kind of role.
But then during Week 1 preparations, Gainwell knew that he'd get a chance.
"I mean, we game plan each and every week," Gainwell said Sunday. "That's something that the coaches do. So, I mean, yeah, I knew."
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The promising rookie Johnson got just one carry. It was surprising given his experience and production at Iowa.
Warren was much better on a per-touch basis than Gainwell, so there's no guarantee this continues.
But sometimes teams find a guy who they just trust an especially large amount in a way that the outside world may not fully understand. Gainwell could be that guy for the Steelers.
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