Steelers RB Conner could be on track to return after sustaining high-ankle sprain

Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner participated fully in practice for the first time since sustaining a high-ankle sprain more than three weeks ago and could be on track to return for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. "It's getting better," Conner said with a grin after Wednesday's practice, declining to reveal more as reporters repeatedly pressed him for details.

The Steelers (8-6-1) lost two of three games without Conner in the lineup and now need help in order to reach the postseason. The Steelers can clinch the AFC North with a win over the Bengals coupled by a Baltimore Ravens loss against the Cleveland Browns. However, Baltimore can clinch the division with a win against Cleveland. That would leave Pittsburgh with only one route to the postseason -- a win over Cincinnati coupled by a tie score between the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans. "We can't control it -- same thing Coach (Mike Tomlin) said," Conner told reporters.

"We've got to control what's happening in our stadium, take care of business on our home turf. The rest will take care of itself if we do our job." Conner should help the Steelers' cause. He leads the team with 909 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 201 carries. He also has caught 52 passes for 467 yards and a score. The 23-year-old Pitt product had 19 carries for 111 yards and two touchdowns in his first meeting against the Bengals on Oct. 14. The Steelers won that game 28-21 and are braced for another difficult challenge from their division rival. "It's Steelers versus Bengals," Connor said. "They're going to come to play. They're going to give us their best shot. They want to beat us at our place, we know that. We expect to get their best, and we're going to give our best."