The Pittsburgh Steelers have long accepted that they’re not going to have the services of running back Le’Veon Bell — at least for this season. Now, they’re in danger of losing yet another running back with James Conner leaving Sunday night’s date with the Los Angeles Chargers with an apparent leg injury, according to the team’s official Twitter account.
#10 Ryan Switzer is questionable to return (possible concussion).
#30 James Conner is questionable to return (lower leg).
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 3, 2018
Conner hurt his leg while trying to complete a first-down reception late in the game and with the Steelers behind the Chargers, 30-23. Conner was not able to get up right away, as he lied on the field for an extended amount of time, grimacing in pain while grabbing his leg. It was not a good sign, though, the Steelers have yet to release a full report on the injury.
Conner was the only running back used by the Steelers in the game until he was injured. Rookie tailback Jaylen Samuels stepped in as a substitute for Conner and finished the contest with only five yards on two carries.
If Conner would miss time to recover from the injury, Samuels is expected to take over the Steelers’ backfield. In any case, losing Conner would be a terrific blow for the Steelers, who entered the meeting with the Chargers ranked 27th in the league with 95.6 rushing yards per game, but sixth in scoring offense with 28.7 points generated per contest.
The Steelers ultimately lost to the Chargers, 33-30, and will get the Oakland Raiders on the road in Week 14.