James Conner has taken over as the starting running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season with Le'Veon Bell holding out due to a contract dispute. Not only has he been able to help fill Bell's shoes, he has been able to fill them completely. Pittsburgh's offense has not skipped a beat and they do not need Bell to return either.

Unfortunately, on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers, Conner went down with a concussion. According to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Steelers are currently “optimistic” that Conner will be able to return in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Needless to say, this is good news for the Steelers, who are finally back to looking like a legitimate contender in the AFC after a slow start to the season.

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James Conner has been an absolute monster this season. He has carried the football 164 times for 771 yards and 10 touchdowns. In addition to those numbers on the ground, Conner has 39 receptions for 387 yards and a touchdown.

At just 23 years old, Conner has gone through a lot in his life. Not that long ago, he dealt with cancer and was able to beat it and return to the field. To be able to undergo that kind of test and still be a star NFL running back says a lot about his character.

Pittsburgh now views Conner as their long-term starting running back. Bell is going to be out of town this offseason and the reigns will be officially handed over to Conner.

All of that being said, expect to see the second-year running back on the field in Week 11 against Jacksonville.