The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves in the NFL by releasing veteran running back Cordarrelle Patterson following a missed training camp. Patterson's announcement of his release on social media, coupled with his stated disappointment at being cut on his day off, highlighted the often tumultuous nature of roster decisions. This move comes after the Steelers made significant changes to their backfield, adding Kenneth Gainwell and drafting promising rookie Kaleb Johnson, leading to a crowded running back room and ultimately, Patterson's exit.

Patterson's departure signifies a shift in the Steelers' strategy as they look to revamp their offensive lineup. With Najee Harris's move to the Los Angeles Chargers as a backdrop, this release underscores the competitive nature of NFL rosters, where performance and opportunities can dramatically change in a matter of days. As the season approaches, the Steelers will need to solidify their running game, making the most of their new acquisitions while Patterson seeks his next opportunity in the league.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recently highlighted an exciting training camp matchup that fans should keep an eye on: running back Kenneth Gainwell versus linebacker Payton Wilson. Gainwell, who joins Pittsburgh after four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, has demonstrated impressive route-running skills from the backfield. Meanwhile, Wilson, entering his second year with the Steelers, aims to establish dominance in defending against such plays.

This matchup will be particularly intriguing when the pads come on, as both players represent critical roles in their respective positions. Gainwell’s versatility could create mismatches, while Wilson's growth and experience will be tested against a player of Gainwell’s caliber.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a new season without Najee Harris, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, but they have exciting talent to fill the void. Jaylen Warren, a promising returner, is a solid option, while rookie Kaleb Johnson from Iowa is also in the mix. Adding to their strength, they acquired Kenneth Gainwell, a backup for the Eagles during their Super Bowl run, who brings valuable experience to the backfield.

Gainwell’s addition is being lauded by analysts, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact. His unique skill set could complement the existing roster, making the Steelers' running game more dynamic. The combination of Gainwell's agility, Warren's speed, and Johnson's fresh legs provides a multifaceted approach for a team looking to maintain its competitive edge in the league.

As fantasy football drafts loom, the focus turns to undervalued players and rebound candidates. Managers should look beyond the big names like Christian McCaffrey to find hidden gems that could yield significant returns. A standout rebound candidate is Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers. After a tumultuous 2024, where he struggled as the QB36 before Week 11, Young’s potential is still intact, and he could be a late-round steal.

Another intriguing name is last year’s underwhelming performer Kenneth Gainwell from the Philadelphia Eagles. After failing to meet expectations, he presents an opportunity for savvy managers to capitalize on his potential upside at a fraction of the cost. As we approach late July, identifying these sleeper picks could define your fantasy season.