The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a short week to square off against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Fortunately, it appears running back James Conner will still be ready to make his return.

Conner has been sidelined the last two games with a shoulder injury. He is now expected to play versus the Browns, via KDKA.

Steelers running back James Conner is expected to play against Cleveland on Thursday night.

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Conner's return will provide a much-needed boost to an offense that has struggled to find its footing despite a four-game winning streak. Pittsburgh will certainly have a good chance to keep it going in Cleveland now that they are much healthier than they have been in recent weeks.

It became very clear during Conner's absence that he is the central force of the offense. His role as both the workhorse in the run game and a check-down option for quarterback Mason Rudolph in the passing game could pay huge dividends for this group heading into the final stretch of the 2019 NFL season.

There will certainly be no shortage of work for Conner as the offense continues to try and find its rhythm. He could potentially have some help getting this group going with guard Ramon Foster looking to make his return from a concussion following a two-game absence as well. This week provides a favorable matchup for the Steelers to get their run game back on track against a Browns defense giving up the sixth-most rushing yards per game (134.9).