Pittsburgh Steelers backup running back Kenneth Gainwell had an unexpected performance after an unexpected start.
Pittsburgh Steelers starting running back Jaylen Warren was a surprise inactive for the team's Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings . That paved the way for backup Kenneth Gainwell to have a much larger role, and it's safe to say he impressed.
Gainwell had 19 carries for 99 yards (5.2 yards per carry) and two touchdowns and reeled in all six of his targets for 35 yards in the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Vikings. Head coach Mike Tomlin couldn't help but praise him after the game.
"I also got a great deal of confidence in Kenny Gainwell, and he showed you why," Tomlin said . "A top-notch competitor and professional. He's been a great asset to us, man. In the running game and out of the backfield, he's a football player first. I appreciate his efforts today."
Gainwell has had a role in Pittsburgh's offense through the first three weeks of the season, toting the rock 16 times for 55 yards and a score. However, with Warren sidelined, he was given a chance to show he deserves to be a starter in the NFL.
"It was most definitely the most work I've had over the past two years," Gainwell said. "I'm not greedy. I'm happy we came out with the win, but at the same time, I'm just thankful."
It was quite the impressive performance by Gainwell because he didn't know he was going to play such a large role in the offense until Warren was officially ruled out one and a half hours until kickoff.
"I didn't know until right up to the game," Gainwell said. "Got to be ready when you get to be ready."
Gainwell isn't taking all the credit for his big day, though. He wanted to shine line on his offensive line, too.
"I gave a shoutout to the O-line," Gainwell said. "Those guys was good up front and I was being patient and reading them."
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth says that's just the type of teammate Gainwell is.
"Can't say enough good things about him. He's unbelievable," Freiermuth said. "Such a good teammate, good guy, a talent on the offense, super versatile. I'm pumped for him."
Only time will tell how Pittsburgh will decide to deploy its backfield when Warren is healthy enough to return, but the team has some extra time to figure that out as it heads into its bye week.
Steelers guard Mason McCormick doesn't sound like he'd be too upset to see Gainwell continuing to have a larger role in the offense in the future, though.
"That's what our goal is every week," he said. "We want to be able to establish the run game and it was fun out there today."
A fifth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, Gainwell has rushed for 1,240 yards and 13 touchdowns in his NFL career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Praise RB Kenneth Gainwell After Last-Minute Start
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