James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster sit out practice again for Steelers
It is increasingly likely the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the winless Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday without two of their starting skill position players.
Running back James Conner (shoulder) and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion/knee) did not practice Thursday for the second day in a row. The 5-5 Steelers have just one more practice before they face the 0-10 Bengals on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson (concussion) was a full practice participant for the second consecutive day and will give the Steelers two healthy starting receivers — James Washington being the other — against the Bengals.
Benny Snell (knee) also practiced for the second day in a row and figures to be part of the running back rotation the Steelers will use in the absence of Conner. Jaylen Samuels will be the starter.
Outside linebacker Bud Dupree (arm) was a full participant after being limited Wednesday. Tight ends Nick Vannett (illness) and Vance McDonald (non-injury) practiced fully as did inside linebacker Mark Barron (non-injury).
Cornerback Artie Burns (knee) was limited for the second consecutive practice.
Center Maurkice Pouncey (suspension) and guard Ramon Foster (non-injury) did not practice.
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Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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