Buccaneers’ RB Kenneth Gainwell has a prime opportunity to make an impact against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team that named him its MVP last season. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this matchup presents the perfect opportunity to finally get their running back involved in the offense.

Gainwell knows Pittsburgh’s personnel and built strong relationships with his former teammates. According to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman, Gainwell downplayed the reunion while acknowledging the connections he made last season.

“Just another game,” he said this week, but he’ll be happy to see old teammates, especially the RBs: “I love those guys dearly. We created a special bond last year.”

Zac Robinson needs to find ways to use Kenneth Gainwell as more than a traditional running back. Gainwell’s ability to run effectively and catch passes out of the backfield gives Tampa Bay another dimension offensively. Using him in both roles could force Pittsburgh’s defense to account for him before the snap, creating opportunities against different defensive looks.

Gainwell’s receiving ability could be especially valuable for an offense that needs more consistency. He recorded 73 receptions for 486 yards and three receiving touchdowns with Pittsburgh last season. Robinson should take advantage of that proven skill set by incorporating screens, checkdowns and routes out of the backfield. Getting Gainwell the ball in space could create mismatches, extend drives and give Tampa Bay another reliable weapon. Facing his former team makes Sunday an ideal opportunity to expand his role.

The familiarity adds another layer to Sunday’s matchup, but Tampa Bay should focus on what Gainwell can bring offensively. If the Buccaneers want to maximize their running back’s value, getting him meaningful touches against his former team makes plenty of sense.

This is the game to get Kenneth Gainwell involved.

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