After missing one game with a shoulder injury, running back James Conner could return Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he expects Conner, the team’s leading rusher with 380 yards and its second-leading receiver, to practice this week, which could clear the way for him to play against the Los Angeles Rams.
The game is Sunday at 4:25 p.m. at Heinz Field.
“He’ll probably be limited early in the week,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “We’ll expect him to perk up and as the week evolves and then make decisions accordingly.”
Conner injured his shoulder in the waning moments of the Steelers’ 27-14 victory against the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 28. Minus Conner, the Steelers rushed for 90 yards on 25 attempts, a 3.6 average, in a 26-24 victory against the Indianapolis Colts.
Jaylen Samuels, who replaced Conner as the starter, had only 10 yards on eight attempts, but Trey Edmunds, getting his first extensive NFL playing time, led the Steelers with 73 yards on 12 attempts.
“We appreciate his efforts,” Tomlin said.
Edmunds, though, injured his ribs against the Colts and could be a limited practice participant early in the week. Fullback Roosevelt Nix aggravated a knee injury and also could be limited.
“I’m optimistic about all of those guys being available,” Tomlin said, “but there will be no bold predictions.”
Guard Ramon Foster, who missed the Colts game with a concussion, will practice Wednesday, although Tomlin said Foster remains in the NFL concussion protocol.
Rookie running back Benny Snell Jr. remains out after undergoing knee surgery. Tomlin also indicated that rookie inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert won’t suit up because of recurring back problems.
Here is some of what Tomlin had to say during his press conference:
Tomlin hasn't given much thought to when Sean Davis might be eligible to return from IR.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
Tomlin expects Rams to "throw a wrinkle or two" at Steelers since they are coming off a bye week.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
Tomlin calls Rams changes in secondary "dramatic" with addition of Jaylen Ramsey and Eric Weddle. "Collectively, they have a really formidable bunch."
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
RB James Conner (shoulder) could be limited in early part of week, would like to see him "perk up" later in week. Trey Edmunds and Rosie Nix could be limited because of injuries. Snell is out because of knee surgery and Ulysees Gilbert could be out with back problems
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
Ramon Foster is scheduled to practice Wednesday but still remains in concussion protocol
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
Tomlin said to be in a close game against Colts and come out with a win could be a "catalyst."
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
Tomlin highlights WR James Washington. Said he "made Mason's day largely easier." Also cites RB Trey Edmunds and what he did in first extended role on offense.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
Tomlin said Steelers have to run the ball better, "particularly in the waning moments of the game." He also said Steelers didn't do a good enough job stopping the run.
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 5, 2019
