The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Tuesday afternoon that running back James Conner is done for the rest of the season, placing him on the injured reserve list due to surgery to repair his MCL.

In direct correlation to the move, the Steelers signed veteran running back Stevan Ridley to the active roster.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Three mystery players in the middle, Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase around them, Cincinnati skyline in the background
3 Cincinnati Bengals hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowEnzo Flojo ·
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson weapon gets $36.75 million contract extensionQuinn Allen ·
Reggie Bush smiles during the Hawkeye Hoops from Downtown event with the Iowa men's and women's basketball programs
Reggie Bush calls out ‘cheap’ NFL owners with urgent demandJaren Kawada ·
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Bears fans loving Ben Johnson’s constructive Caleb Williams criticismBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: What Adam Schefter is hearing on Kyle Pitts injury, trade rumorsBen Strauss ·
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) lines up during the NCAA football game at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3.
Chiefs’ Matt Nagy gushes over Josh Simmons after seeing ‘phenomenal’ filmMatty Breisch ·

Ridley has played six seasons in the league, tallying up 2,914 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns while also recording 27 catches for 144 receiving yards with the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Atlanta Falcons. He made one appearance last season with the Falcons, rushing for seven yards on three carries.

Nearly all of that production came during his fourth seasons with the Patriots, which included his only 1,000 rushing yard campaign. He also played in five playoff games with New England, scoring three touchdowns. His final season with the team in 2014 was ended prematurely after six games due to a torn ACL. Ridley spent 2015 with the Jets, playing in eight games while garnering 90 yards on 36 carries.

The Steelers will likely utilize Ridley in a complimentary running back role as a dual threat in both the running and passing game to spell Le'Veon Bell some relief. They will use the final two weeks of the regular season to ease him into the fold; during that time, second-year running back Terrell Watson could factor in some capacity in Pittsburgh's running game.