James Conner's Constant Injury Woes a Concerning Trend for Steelers Moving Forward
By Ian Anderson
After a breakout season for the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, running back James Conner has racked up more injuries than accolades in 2019.
Conner will miss the Steelers pivotal clash with the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday due to another ailment, leaving some Pittsburgh football fans to wonder if he's made of glass.
#Steelers RB James Conner (quad bruise) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game. He’ll play in just 3 of the past 9 regular season games due to shoulder and quad injuries.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2019
When healthy, Conner has proven to be one of the better backs in the league, but that injury designation is tough to come by.
Conner has only played in three of the past nine games because of the various injuries that he has suffered. In the last two seasons, he's missed nine games total. This trend has to be concerning for the Steelers.
James Conner made of glass. You gotta draft a real RB this year. And TE.
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) December 22, 2019
Conner still has one year left on his contract with Pittsburgh, but in the meantime the Steelers must continue to build a strong backfield behind him as they prepare for the inevitable -- another injury for their hometown hero.
Lessening Conner's workload by throwing in another solid running back could be one thing that helps keep him on the field. The presence of Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell is not nearly enough.