Kenneth Gainwell suffered a rib injury against New England and he won’t suit up against the Minnesota Vikings in week two.
Kenneth Gainwell dominated the running back opportunities in the Eagles’ week one matchup against the Patriots. After a Summer of speculation debating who would be the starter between Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift, Gainwell surprisingly received a 62-percent snap share and 18 touches. He suffered a rib injury though and won’t be able to suit up tomorrow night against the Minnesota Vikings.
As a result, the Eagles will be left with Swift, Boston Scott, and Rashaad Penny (who did not suit up in week one) to carry the workload on a short week. Swift received the most snaps after Gainwell and will undoubtedly factor in on passing downs. However, all three will likely be active in what will be a running back by-committee approach until Gainwell returns. These running backs will not be startable in week two matchups outside of deeper leagues. Even then Swift is nothing more than a borderline RB3.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell took 13 ...
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell had a ...
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell rushed ...
Kenny Gainwell continues to stand out in training camp and is the lead running back in the 2-minute offense.
Despite the addition of D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny this off-season, Philadelphia is intent on making this a three-headed backfield in 2023. Kenneth Gainwell is receiving the majority of snaps in the 2-minute offense thus far in training camp. A role that could have more meaning in 2022 with the Eagles facing a much more competitive schedule.
Gainwell was actually No. 16 in target share among running backs in 2021 despite a limited snap count. However, that role didn’t materialize last season, and he failed to garner double-digit opportunities in any regular season game. Although he did seize a much larger role in the playoffs, out-touching Miles Sanders 40 to 36 in three games.
Looking forward to 2023 and Gainwell is clearly No. 3 on the depth chart going into the pre-season. Nonetheless, ahead of him on the depth chart are two running backs with an extensive injury history. Gainwell is capable of filling a rushing or receiving role in this offense, and will have flex upside if either were to miss time.
