Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert does not seem 100 percent confident in James Conner's ability to stay on the field.
When asked about Conner and the Steelers' backfield, Colbert said the following:
“We’re confident he will be prepared physically to face that challenge,” said Colbert, according to Dale Lolley of DK Pittsburgh Sports. “That won’t be a question. It’s our job to make sure we have options and alternatives and competition. That will be what we’ll be working on.”
Conner played in just 10 games this past season due to injuries, finishing with 464 yards and four touchdowns while averaging four yards per carry. He also caught 34 passes for 251 yards and three scores.
The 24-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Pittsburgh, was originally selected by the Steelers in the third round (105th pick overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He spent his rookie campaign playing behind Le'Veon Bell and did not get many touches; as a result, carrying the ball just 32 times for 144 yards.
Then, in 2018, Conner stepped into the starting role with Bell holding out. He ended up appearing in 13 contests, rushing for 973 yards and 12 touchdowns while logging 4.5 yards per attempt. In addition, he hauled in 55 receptions for 497 yards while reaching the end zone once.
There is no doubting Conner's talent, but his inability to consistently stay on the field certainly poses a problem for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers also have Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels in their backfield, but it appears that Colbert may not be entirely satisfied with the club's situation at running back.
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