KennyGainwell

News: 2 days agoGainwell rushed 14 times for 88 yards and returned one kickoff for 30 yards in the Buccaneers' 43-13 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Spin: Despite exiting the game for a spell to tend to a hip injury, Gainwell saw his biggest rushing workload of the season by far as the Buccaneers had the luxury of grinding things out on the ground after establishing a 33-6 halftime lead. The versatile veteran went without a target for the first time all season, but Tampa Bay wasn't forced into many third-and-long situations that would have required Gainwell's services in that capacity. Despite the breakout effort, it's worth keeping in mind Gainwell is typically ticketed for a much more modest role.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Gainwell signed with the Buccaneers following a second-half breakout with Pittsburgh last season. After playing sparingly during the first four-and-a-half years of his career, Gainwell averaged 13.3 touches, 85.0 yards and 17.8 fantasy points from Week 8 on last season (eight games). Only five backs scored more points than Gainwell after Week 10. He did most of his damage as a receiver (top six among RBs in targets, catches and receiving yards) and will now look to earn a similar role alongside Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay. Gainwell's strong season suggests he'll have a role, but the 23-year-old Irving is likely to operate as the lead back. Gainwell is best valued as a bench/insurance stash with some flex appeal in deep PPR leagues.