Steelers Are Hopeful James Conner Will Return This Week

It didn't end up hurting them from a results standpoint in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, but Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner was unable to give it a go after undergoing a shoulder injury.

Well, according to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, they are "optimistic" that Conner will be back on the field this week, which would be useful given how much their offense relies upon him at this juncture.

Conner didn't practice at all last week, so the decision to keep him out was easy. However, according to Tomlin, Conner is expected to practice this week, even though it'll be in a limited capacity early on. Should he show he's made the necessary strides in his rehab, the former Pitt RB will get the call against the Rams, which feature a nasty interior defensive line anchored by one Aaron Donald.

Trey Edmunds and Jaylen Samuels were in the backfield for Pittsburgh against Indianapolis, combing for 83 rushing yards on 20 carries and 73 receiving yards on 13 receptions, all from Samuels.

The optimism of Conner returning to practice makes you believe that he'll play in Week 10 unless something unforeseen happens.