Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 players to watch against the New Orleans Saints

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a defensive stop in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 16: Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against the New England Patriots in the third quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Jaylen Samuels

James Conner barely practiced since his injury and isn’t looking promising before the postseason. The Steelers may want to rest him to avoid risking any larger of an injury, meaning Samuels is the starting running back until further notice.

So far, he’s done everything asked of him and more. He’s a presence in the backfield racking up 142 yards on 19 carries against the Patriots. Many believed he would only be a receiving back in the NFL, but so far he’s shown he can handle the ground game as well.

Outplaying Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram isn’t going to be easy, but it certainly goes a long way in the outcome of the game. If the rookie can have a better performance than New Orlean’s runners, Pittsburgh gains an upper hand in a huge way.

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