Nov 8, 2018; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner in the first quarter at Heinz Field. Photo Credit: Phillip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner appears to be ready to return to the field.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Conner remained in concussion protocol on Tuesday afternoon, but told reporters that the 23-year-old’s participation in Wednesday’s practice will “lay those discussions (about his availability) to bed.”
Conner was evaluated in the sideline medical tent during the third quarter of Thursday’s 52-14 romp over the Carolina Panthers. He briefly returned to the contest in the fourth quarter before retreating to the sideline.
The 6-foot-1, 233-yard Conner had another solid night before exiting the contest, rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries and adding one reception for eight yards.
With Le’Veon Bell away from the team this season, Conner has recorded a franchise-best 1,158 scrimmage yards (771 rushing, 387 receiving) in nine games. He also has 11 total touchdowns (10 rushing, one receiving).
A third-round pick out of Pitt in the 2017 NFL Draft, Conner has scored eight touchdowns (seven rushing) during Pittsburgh’s five-game winning streak — a span in which the Steelers have amassed 177 points.
The Steelers (6-2-1) bid to extend their winning streak on Sunday (1 .p.m. ET) when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) in a rematch of last season’s AFC divisional-round game.
