Steelers’ JuJu Smith-Schuster, Vance McDonald out vs. Bills; James Conner questionable

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without their No. 1 wide receiver and No. 1 tight end Sunday.

It’s uncertain whether their No. 1 running back will play, either.

JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss a fourth consecutive game because of a knee injury, and Vance McDonald will sit out his first because of a concussion when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field.

Running back James Conner was listed questionable on the injury report released Friday. After missing five of the past six games because of a shoulder injury, Conner practiced fully all week. But he has stressed he wanted to avoid a repeat of prematurely returning to game action, as he did Nov. 14 when he lasted only one quarter against the Cleveland Browns.

Neither McDonald nor Smith-Schuster took part in the final practice of the week Friday. McDonald’s only practice participation all week was when he was limited Thursday. McDonald remains in concussion protocol since suffering one during last week’s win at the Arizona Cardinals.

Smith-Schuster has not played since the Nov. 14 loss at Cleveland. He left practice early Thursday after he was an encouraging full participant Wednesday.

“It wasn’t a setback. It was more so like I pushed myself too hard,” Smith-Schuster said. “I’ve got to settle myself down. I am so competitive, just to get out there and be great, and I’ve got to take it slow.

“We’re gonna take it day by day and try to get healthy.”

The Steelers have won all three of their games without both Smith-Schuster and Conner.

Running back Jaylen Samuels (groin) and receiver Johnny Holton (illness) each practiced fully after dealing with minor ailments earlier in the week.

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