With Eagles training camp now a month away, we’re looking at the 30 most important Eagles of 2023 and third year running back Kenneth Gainwell lands at No. 22.
A true dual-threat and efficient running back, Gainwell has played 629 snaps (18 ½ per game)– but has 56 catches on 79 targets.
He’ll be a breakout candidate to watch.
Background
Position: Running Back
Age: 24
Experience: 3rd year veteran
2023 cap hit: $1,023,881
2022 recap
Gainwell played in 27 percent of the offensive snaps and logged 544 all-purpose yards (291 rushing and 253 receiving), along with five touchdowns.
The former Memphis product saw his snap count rise late in the season after Miles Sanders suffered a knee injury.
In the Eagles’ final three regular-season games, Gainwell had 12 rushes for 57 yards and seven receptions for 65 yards. During the postseason, Gainwell carried the ball 26 times for 160 yards and a touchdown in the first two NFC playoffs wins before adding another seven runs for 21 yards and four catches for 20 yards in the Super Bowl loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
2023 outlook
Gainwell saw his playing time increase from 28 percent in the regular season to 43 percent in the playoffs and more was expected from the dual threat running back before Philadelphia signed Rashaad Penny and traded for D’Andre Swift.
Big question: Where does Gainwell fit in Eagles backfield ?
During the three-game run to the Suepr Bowl Gainwell played 96 snaps with 40 touches worth 236 yards and one touchdown.
After the Eagles added two more running backs, the assumption was that Gainwell would be the third running back on the depth chart behind Penny and Swift.
Head coach Nick Sirianni is excited about Gainwell, and said this before OTAs began.
“I’m expecting a very high role,” Gainwell said. “I’m just going to continue to improve my game, but I’m expecting a high role this year. I feel like Coach Nick (Sirianni) trusted me. They gave me an opportunity and I took advantage of that opportunity. Having the competition is going to make me better. Having D’Andre here is going to help. It’s going to make him better and me better at the same time.”
Gainwell has been the healthiest of all three running backs and his chemistry with Jalen Hurts could allow him to be the starter.
30 Most Important Eagles of 2023
We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Eagles of 2023. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.
No. 30 Nicholas Morrow, No. 29 Milton Williams, No. 28 Olamide Zaccheaus, No. 27 Avonte Maddox, No. 26 Jake Elliott, No. 25 Rashaad Penny, No. 24 Quez Watkins, No. 23 Nolan Smith
