KennyGainwell

News: 11 hours agoGainwell rushed once for no gain in the Buccaneers' 16-15 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

Spin: Both Gainwell and Bucky Irving logged their touches for the night on the opening possession. Gainwell wasn't targeted Saturday during his brief time in the game, but the veteran pass-catching back is ticketed to play a major role in that capacity come the regular season, albeit while likely taking only a modest amount of rushing touches from Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker. Gainwell will likely next see the field in a Week 1 road matchup against the Bengals on Sunday, Sept. 13.

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.