Eagles HC Nick Sirianni sings extremely high praise for Saquon Barkley's backup RB
Philadelphia Eagles starting running back Saquon Barkley is as dependable as they come, but it's nice when he can save his energy and let his backup handle some of the workload. That's when Kenneth Gainwell enters the chat, which typically only happens if the Eagles have a comfortable lead. But regardless of the limited action Gainwell […]
Philadelphia Eagles starting running back Saquon Barkley is as dependable as they come, but it's nice when he can save his energy and let his backup handle some of the workload.
That's when Kenneth Gainwell enters the chat, which typically only happens if the Eagles have a comfortable lead. But regardless of the limited action Gainwell sees, he takes advantage of the moment and that has not gone unnoticed by head coach Nick Sirianni.
"Kenny has always taken advantage of his opportunities," Sirianni said. "This year is no different. I think Kenny is doing the same things he’s done here since the moment I got here. And that he got here, too. We came in together. There is a lot that I do where I’ll go back and watch tape, whether it’s a situational football from ’21, ’22, ’23, ’24. Again, just always looking and trying to improve that way."
Sirianni said he when he compiled third down tape dating back to 2021 for the team on the long flight to Brazil in Week 1, Gainwell was a player who stood out.
"On our way to Brazil, I watched every third down we had here in the past three years. Long trip; nothing to do. Someone gave me a couple of shows to watch, and I just wanted to watch tape instead," Sirianni explained. "Anyway, Kenny Gainwell was all over that tape, making plays all over that tape. And so, to answer your question, I don’t think he’s doing anything different. I think he’s just taking advantage of his opportunities because he’s always done that. He’s always been the second back or the third back."
Gainwell has logged 42 carries for 147 yards and seven receptions for 11 yards on the year so far. He's also become a key player on special teams, averaging 24.8 yards on nine punt returns.
He is in the last year of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent next March. Considering how well he has looked as a backup in Philly over the last four years, it's more than likely another team will pick him up for a larger role.
Until then, however, the Eagles will keep using him to their advantage.
"He’s such a reliable football player," Sirianni said. "We’ve had faith in Kenny – again, not blind faith, we’ve had faith because of the way he’s produced here since very early on. And he continues to be that guy that we can have faith in. And he’s contributing on special teams and taking a bigger role on that. He’s tough. He’s dependable. Great teammate.
"You ask the guys on this team what they think about Kenny Gainwell, everyone will say the same thing. There is a reason he’s been on this team for four years and has made some very significant plays. It’s because we love him. We think he’s a great teammate. We think he’s a great football player."
