It wasn’t the season debut James Conner hoped for. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting running back suffered an ankle injury in the first half and did not return for the rest of their 26-16 victory over the New York Giants at an empty MetLife Stadium on Monday night.
The 25-year-old was trying to settle into the season for the Steelers, but that process will unavoidably slow down for a player whose career has been interrupted by injuries.
But the Steelers did not lose a step, especially with second-year backup Bennie Snell filling the void. He rushed for 113 yards on 19 carries for his first-ever 100-yard game, continuing his vast improvement since training camp. Ben Roethlisberger threw for three touchdowns and 229 yards as he seeks to get back to his old form after missing out the last 14 games last season due to elbow surgery.
Conner, a 2018 Pro Bowler, continues to get bit by the injury bug. He missed three games each in his rookie year and second year. Last season, he sat out six more games. His string of setbacks doesn’t bode well for him as he is set to become a free agent next season.
He, however, has been productive when he can stay on the field with career totals of 1,581 yards and 16 touchdowns on 363 carries. The University of Pittsburgh product and 2014 ACC Player of the Year was touted as an integral addition to the Steelers after getting drafted in the third round in 2017. But he has yet to fulfill his potential.
Conner is questionable for the Steelers' next game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
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