Steelers running back James Conner is being evaluated for a shoulder injury suffered in Monday night’s win over Miami, according to Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin.
“One thing is for sure, it’s going to limit him, surely, at the early portions of the week," Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference. "James has played enough ball, and I’m staring to get comfortable with him, that maybe it doesn’t require a complete week of work in order for him to play, like it does for some younger players.
“We’ll play it by ear. We’ll check his availability on a day-to-day basis and let that be our guide in terms of his availability.”
Conner injured the shoulder in the final two minutes of Pittsburgh’s 27-14 win over the Dolphins, in which Conner came a yard shy of his career high in rushing with 145 yards and a touchdown.
The injuries, particularly to the running back position, do not end with Conner. Third string back Benny Snell was unable to finish the game with a knee injury.
There is positive news, however, as backup Jaylen Samuels, who missed the last two games after arthroscopic knee surgery, will be available when the Steelers host the Colts this Sunday.
“Man, Jaylen Samuels’ availability is right on time,” Tomlin said. “Jaylen really got a clean bill of health at the end of last week. He was available to us (Monday night). Because of a lack of work and, really, the work of the others, we chose not to play him. He’ll be ready to go in this football game.”
With injuries to Conner and Snell, the Steelers are left with two healthy running backs in Samuels and Trey Edmunds, who recorded his first professional carry Monday night.
“We like the growth and development of Trey Edmunds since we brought him up from the practice squad,” Tomlin said of Edmunds, who is the brother of Steelers starting safety Terrell Edmunds. “He’s been a consistent contributor on (special teams). He made a couple of tackles last night. We’re not afraid to utilize him as a runner.”
Tomlin did highlight more injuries coming out of the win. Guard Ramon Foster is in concussion protocol, as he was unable to finish the game.
“That’s a mystical place, from my standpoint,” Tomlin said of the protocol. “When they tell me he’s back, he’s back. Until then, we’ll make other plans accordingly. I like the work of B.J. Finney in his absence.”
Defensive tackle Dan McCullers has a “minor” ankle injury, according to Tomlin, an injury that may limit McCullers some early in the week. Center Maurkice Pouncey had a calf injury, but was able to complete the game and does not appear serious.