Kenneth Gainwell

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley missed big chunks of Sunday's win over the Steelers and he discussed why Kenneth Gainwell saw more playing time when he spoke to reporters after the game.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley missed big chunks of Sunday's win over the Steelers and he discussed why Kenneth Gainwell saw more playing time when he spoke to reporters after the game.

With Saquon Barkley on the sideline for a significant portion of the first half, Gainwell found himself in a lead role against one of the premiere defenses in the league. Gainwell turned his first three rush attempts into 16 yards, and reeled in a 16-yard reception in the second quarter on a drive that ended with a DeVonta Smith touchdown. Gainwell averaged an impressive 6.0 yards per touch in the victory, but should remain in his backup role in Week 16 against the Commanders if Barkley -- who finished out the game -- is healthy.

Gainwell played in Philadelphia's two-minute drill, getting two rushes, and took a carry for 20 yards on the first series after a holding penalty backed up the Eagles. He had 14 snaps to Saquon Barkley's 44. Gainwell hasn't seen more than 36 percent of the snaps since Week 4 and is unstartable as long as Barkley is healthy.