The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense looks to be getting a massive boost for their three-week stretch-run to get to the playoffs. On Wednesday, Pro Bowlers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back James Conner were full participants in practice, the team announced.
Both Conner and Smith-Schuster sustained injuries in Pittsburgh's Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Conner re-aggravated a shoulder injury that he has dealt with for much of the 2019 campaign. Smith-Schuster suffered a concussion. Both have not played in the last three games.
“(I did) a couple of reps here and there,” said Conner on Wednesday, via the team's official website. “I got a couple of reps with the offense this week. I am still taking it day-by-day… I just want to be out there competing. These games are crucial, they are critical for us in the position we are in. We are just trying to control our own destiny.”
It is unknown if both or either will play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, which will take place on “Sunday Night Football.” If they do play, however, the Steelers would be receiving monumental additions to an offense led by undrafted rookie quarterback Devlin Hodges.
In 10 games of play in 2019, Smith-Schuster has 38 receptions for 524 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, in eight games, Conner has 390 yards and four touchdowns on the ground while averaging 3.8 yards per attempt. The third-year tailback has also tallied 30 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
At 8-5, the Steelers are the sixth seed in the AFC Playoffs. However, they are far from safe with the 8-5 Tennessee Titans nipped at their heels. A win over another playoff team, in the 9-3 Bills, would move mountains for Steel City.
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