Steelers RB Conner could return vs. Patriots

The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have running back James Conner for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders, but there's some hope he'll be ready to go next week for an AFC showdown against the New England Patriots.

Conner is scheduled to have his sprained left ankle re-evaluated on Monday to determine his outlook for the week, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Conner was injured during the fourth quarter of last Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers and the team initially thought the injury was minor.

Medical tests, however, revealed a more serious injury to the ankle, leading to the diagnosis of a sprain.

"James Conner's injury is probably a little more significant than we initially thought," Tomlin said earlier this week. "He's got an ankle sprain, not a contusion, and so he'll be out this week."

The Steelers certainly could use Conner against the Patriots. He has rushed for 909 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 52 passes for 467 yards and one score.

Rookie Jaylen Samuels figures to get most of the work against the Raiders. The fifth-round pick had two carries for five yards against the Chargers and three receptions for 20 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown.

Overall, Samuels has 12 carries for 31 yards this season and seven receptions for 54 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steelers also have Stevan Ridley in the mix. The eight-year veteran has rushed for 56 yards on 18 carries this season and last touched the ball on Nov. 8.

Pittsburgh also promoted running back Trey Edmunds from the practice squad and placed receiver Justin Hunter (shoulder) on injured reserve. Edmunds had 48 yards and one touchdown on nine rushes for the New Orleans Saints in 2017.

Conner became the Steelers' main back this season because of Le'Veon Bell's holdout from the team.

--Field Level Media

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)