Behind the Steel Curtain
Kenneth Gainwell gets his old jersey number back.
The Steelers didn’t waste much time putting George Pickens’ old uniform number back in circulation.
After issuing the No. 14 to newly-signed rookie wide receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig on Tuesday, Steelers.com’s Dale Lolley reported early Wednesday that the number has changed hands again; this time to running back Kenneth Gainwell, a 2025 free agent signing.
Gainwell previously wore the No. 14 during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. He had previously been wearing the No. 21 with the Steelers, which now goes to Lemonious-Craig, per Lolley.
Wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who the Steelers acquired via trade this offseason, also wore the No. 14 before his time in Pittsburgh. It appears he’ll be sticking with the No. 4 as a Steeler.
Gainwell is expected to be the Steelers’ RB3 behind Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson in 2025, even though he’ll see some competition from the veteran Cordarrelle Patterson.
Gainwell rushed for 290 yards and one touchdown last season with a 3.9-yard average. He added 22 receptions for 116 in the passing game, along with 18 kickoff returns.
