James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster expected to return to practice for Steelers

For the first time in nearly a month, the Pittsburgh Steelers could have running back James Conner and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on the practice field at the same time.

Could a game situation be far behind?

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday he will have more information as the week of preparation for Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills unfolds.

“Those guys are expected to participate in practice at least in some capacity probably sooner rather than later in the week,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “We’ll look at that quality of that work and the ramifications of the aftermath of that work in talking about their availability.”

Conner has missed three consecutive games and five of the past six with a shoulder injury. Smith-Schuster has missed three games with a knee injury. He also suffered a concussion Nov. 14 against Cleveland in the same game he injured his knee, but he is no longer in the NFL concussion protocol.

Conner was limited in practice last week. Smith-Schuster has been unable to practice since his injury.

Tomlin revealed just two injuries suffered in the Steelers’ 23-17 victory at Arizona. Running back Jaylen Samuels has a groin injury that was being evaluated Tuesday. Tight end Vance McDonald left the game with a concussion and is the NFL protocol.

About the Bills game, Tomlin called it a “five-star” matchup.

Here is what else Tomlin had to say at his press conference:

Tomlin said Josh Allen has more designed runs than Kyler Murray does in Arizona. Said Allen has more of a foundation because he's in his second year.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Tomlin again calls this a "five-star" matchup. He used that phrase after the game in Arizona.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Tomlin moves on to Bills and brings up the mobility of QB Josh Allen. "They do an awesome job schematically of designed quarterback runs."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

In-game injuries: Samuels (groin) is being evaluated. McDonald (concussion) remains in the NFL concussion protocol.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Tomlin updating injuries: Conner (shoulder), JuJu (knee) are expected to participate in practice this week and could play vs. Buffalo Bills.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Tomlin said the fact that Chris Boswell hasn't been talked about much this year proves how "solid" he has been in his bounce-back year.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

On defense, said Steelers continue to "rise up" in the right occasions.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Benny Snell showed "feature back-like" characteristics, Tomlin said.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Tomlin opens by pointing out the "growth" that some of the young players have made. Diontae Johnson this week, James Washington last week.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019

Tomlin press conference to start momentarily

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) December 10, 2019