Part of RB mix with Irving and Tucker
Gainwell is one of three running backs on Tampa Bay's 53-man roster, along with Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker (undisclosed), the latter of whom didn't practice Wednesday, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports.
Gainwell signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Buccaneers in March after leading the Steelers with 73 catches in the 2025 regular season. He's likely to fill a change-of-pace role while playing primarily in passing situations, much like Rachaad White did for the past couple seasons in a Buccaneers backfield that's expected to be led by Irving as long as the latter stays healthy. Tucker could be a thorn in the side of both Gainwell and Irving from a fantasy perspective if Tucker reprises his red-zone role from 2025, which helped him punch in a team-high seven rushing touchdowns.
More Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Football News
Cade Otton
Remains No. 1 TE on depth chart
Otton is listed as the No. 1 TE on the Buccaneers' unofficial depth chart.
Baker Mayfield
One preseason appearance
Mayfield logged just one appearance during the Buccaneers' three-game preseason schedule.
Bucky Irving
Will try to fend off competition for touches
Irving is set to lead a Buccaneers backfield that also includes Kenny Gainwell and Sean Tucker (undisclosed), the latter of whom didn't practice Wednesday, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports.
Chris Godwin Jr.
Draws praise from GM Licht
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht praised Godwin on Monday for his consistency and veteran leadership, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.
Sean Tucker
Dealing with minor injury
Tucker (undisclosed) didn't practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Emeka Egbuka
Works on side field Wednesday
Egbuka (toe) worked on a side field with trainers Wednesday and ran without any obvious issues from the injury, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Jalen McMillan
Remains sidelined at practice
McMillan (knee) remains sidelined at Tuesday's practice, PewterReport.com reports.
Emeka Egbuka
Stting out Tuesday's practice
Egbuka (toe) is not practicing Tuesday, per Pewter Report.
Sean Tucker
Agrees to new contract with Bucs
Tucker agreed to a one-year contract Sunday with $2.5 million guaranteed to remain with the Buccaneers, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.
Jalon Daniels
Wins backup QB job
Daniels is moving forward as Tampa Bay's backup quarterback behind Baker Mayfield after impressing throughout training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.