The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to stay in the win column when they host the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Fortunately, they will be at full strength with running back James Conner back in the mix.
Conner suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him in the 2020 NFL season opener. With no injury designation, it appears he has been cleared to play, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
#Steelers RB James Conner (ankle) has no game status designation on the final injury report. So he's good to go.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 18, 2020
Conner initially suffered the injury during the second quarter of the 26-16 victory over the New York Giants. Head coach Mike Tomlin had been optimistic about his status for Week 2 and it was well justified as he was able to return to practice on Thursday. His continued activity as a full participant in practice indicates the injury was not deemed to be too severe.
Although it is encouraging to see Conner will not miss any time, there is still plenty of speculation regarding his workload moving forward. He was expected to resume his role as the workhorse in the backfield, however, backup Benny Snell Jr. was able to take full advantage of his increased workload after rushing for 113 yards on 19 carries. This could very well result in the Steelers considering making efforts to maintain a 1-2 punch with both running backs this season.
Pittsburgh is set to take on a Denver defense that allowed Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry to rush for 116 yards albeit on 31 carries. Conner will need to bounce back this week if he hopes to erase any doubt regarding a potential timeshare with Snell.
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