The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a significant blow an hour and a half before kickoff, when starting running back Jaylen Warren, who led the team in rushing and receiving over the first three weeks of the 2025 season, was ruled out due to injury.
But Kenneth Gainwell saved the day.
The Steelers' backup running back, making just the fifth start of his NFL career, shined in Warren's absence, scoring two touchdowns and leading the Steelers to a 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
Gainwell finished the game with 19 carries for 99 yards to go along with the two scores. He also caught six passes for 35 yards. Gainwell set career highs in rushing attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and yards from scrimmage.
He did it while a facing talented Vikings defense that was expecting the Steelers to run most of the game, as Pittsburgh barely trailed throughout the contest.
Gainwell scored his first touchdown at the very end of the first quarter, running one yard off left tackle to make it 7-3 Pittsburgh.
On the next Pittsburgh possession, Aaron Rodgers hit DK Metcalf on a slant, and he raced away from the Minnesota defense for an 80-yard score.
DeShon Elliott got the first of two Pittsburgh interceptions to set up a field goal before the half, but Chris Boswell 's attempt was blocked — the start of continuing inability of the Steelers' ability to put the Vikings away.
Minnesota kicked a field goal before the half, T.J. Watt picked off Carson Wentz to set up Gainwell's second touchdown, and the Steelers looked to be rolling in the third quarter, with a 21-6 lead.
But Minnesota came storing back, with a 9-play, 70-yard scoring drive capped off with a from Wentz to Zavier Scott . A two-point conversion made it a two-score game.
Rodgers, Gainwell and the Steelers offense drove down the field again, but were stopped short at the 1-yard line with 4:09 to play.
Wentz hit Jordan Addison on a busted coverage for what would have been a long touchdown. Payton Wilson made an incredible play to run him down from behind and prevent the initial touchdown, forcing Minnesota to run clock before Wentz eventually found Jalen Nailor for his second touchdown pass.
Pittsburgh recovered the onside kick, but Gainwell was again stopped one yard short. Mike Tomlin elected to punt, giving Wentz and Minnesota one final shot, but Wentz was harried again by a defense that finished with seven sacks, and Elliott batted down the final pass to seal the win for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers will return from Europe to a bye week before hosting the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 on Oct. 12.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Kenneth Gainwell's Career Day Leads Steelers over Vikings, 24-21
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