Steelers’ Jaylen Samuels willing to play tight end, not willing to question his lack of usage

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels is certainly well aware that he was not given a carry or targeted with a pass during Sunday’s loss at the San Francisco 49ers. But if the versatile second-year pro was angry about it, he sure didn’t show it when speaking to media Tuesday.

“As a running back you always do want to run the ball more, but whatever the team needs to do to win, we are willing to do,” Samuels said.

“We‘ve just got to execute as a team, whether that’s running the ball or throwing the ball, we’ve just got to go out there and execute the gameplan.”

Samuels played 14 snaps Sunday, 22 fewer than starting running back James Conner and 11 more than rookie running back Benny Snell. Conner had 13 carries and five passes thrown his way; Snell had three carries. Conner gained 57 yards on his touches, Snell netted 6 yards.

Samuels has averaged 4.6 yards per carry and 7.6 yards per reception in his career.

Kevin Gorman: Jaylen Samuels embraces increased ‘slash-fun player’ role for Steelers | https://t.co/hVDbdnrrke https://t.co/WMZkU7f1st

— Kevin Gorman (@KGorman_Trib) September 6, 2019

“We all have different (plays called for us), me and James and Benny,” Samuels said. “We have our own packages where we go in with certain personnel (groups), so when something is called, you have to run and do your job.”

Among other positions, Samuels played some tight end at N.C. State. With Vance McDonald’s status in doubt after suffering a shoulder injury Sunday and the Steelers with only two other tight ends on their 53-man roster, would Samuels be willing to pitch in at the position?

“I don’t know Vance’s status or if he’s playing or not (this week),” Samuels said, “but we will get the gameplan right – and whatever Coach asks me to do, I’ll do it.”

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