Kenneth Gainwell had a surprising star turn last Sunday in Ireland.

Gainwell became the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting running back during warmups before the first NFL regular-season game played on the Emerald Isle. When Jaylen Warren's bum knee prevented him from playing, the Steelers turned to Gainwell.

Gainwell had the best game of his five-year NFL career. He rushed for a career-high 99 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries and had six receptions for 35 yards.

The Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 at Croke Park in Dublin, raising their AFC Central-leading record to 3-1.

It was a surprising performance for a player who had made just his fifth professional start in a career that began with four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles before he signed with the Steelers as a free agent. He contributed just 85 total yards of offense in his first three games this season.

Well, maybe it wasn't a surprise to everyone. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he has complete confidence in Gainwell.

"I thought Kenny G, Kenny Gainwell, if you're a football fan, you know who he is, and you followed his career," Rodgers said after the game. "It seemed like every time he went in the game, for me as a football fan with Philly, I was like, man, this guy is really good. He should get more touches.

"When I came here, I knew what kind of player he was. I tell him all the time; he's an absolute baller. So, any opportunity he gets. Kenny has been great all year."

The Steelers have a bye this week. That should give Warren time to heal before the Steelers host the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 12 at Acrisure Stadium.

Warren is in his fourth season with the Steelers after they signed him as an undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State in 2022. Warren is RB1 for the first time in his career following the offseason departure of Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers.

It will be interesting to see how coach Mike Tomlin splits the carries after Gainwell's breakout.