Kenneth Gainwell had a career year in Pittsburgh. A shrewd offseason signing, Gainwell was named Team MVP for his multi-pronged ability. Rushing, returning, and, of course, receiving. But the forgotten element that makes him so valuable is not an on-field trait. It’s the mere fact that he’s always on the field in the first place. Gainwell’s durability and availability are rare for his frame and position, which is why Pittsburgh should want him back, no matter the system or scheme.

The best ability is availability. That’s the adage. But rarely is it recognized by those outside football facilities. A player who doesn’t miss time stands out. He’s there to take all the reps. He builds trust with the coaching staff. Someone they can count on to answer the call.

That’s Gainwell. He doesn’t miss time. Games? Always there. Even in practice, Gainwell isn’t sidelined. Pouring over each Steelers’ 2025 injury report, Gainwell didn’t show up once. He was a full participant in every single practice with zero limited or DNP sessions. Simply remarkable.

It’s not a one-off. Since being drafted in 2021, here’s a list of career games he’s missed.

Kenneth Gainwell Games Missed, Per Year (2021-2025)

2021: One
2022: Zero
2023: One
2024: Zero
2025: Zero

Twice in five seasons. He’s suffered a couple of injuries, notably a concussion in the 2024 NFC Championship Game, but returned for the Super Bowl. In 2023, he missed one game with a rib injury. As a rookie, his only absence was as a healthy scratch and not related to health.

How does he stack up with the rest of the league? Since entering the NFL, here are the running backs who have played the most. Using a minimum of 200 carries to discount special teamers or reserves.

Most Games By RB since 2021 (minimum 200 carries)

1. Kenneth Gainwell – 83
2. Devin Singletary – 82
3. Tony Pollard – 81
4. Samaje Perine – 81
5. Chuba Hubbard – 79

Gainwell leads the entire league. His carries haven’t been overwhelming, but he’s still racked up 394 carries and 569 touches. The latter is top-50 since 2021. Given that he’s on the smaller side, his durability is all the more impressive. And a point his agent will surely make to the Steelers and prospective NFL teams come next month’s free agency.

Since Najee Harris was drafted, Pittsburgh has had unusually good health results. Harris didn’t miss a single game with the Steelers. Jaylen Warren has been mostly available, though a 2024 soft-tissue injury nagged him and he missed the Dublin game in 2025. Gainwell got the start and shined.

I wanted to note the point during the season. But every comment would’ve torched me for being a jinx – which, fair. I’m sure some will still accuse me of the same. Now that it’s the offseason, it’s a point well worth making. Gainwell isn’t just a good running back but an available one. A position where durability is hard to find.