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Questions Steelers fans need answered for Thursday’s matchup vs. the Browns

By Edward Hunt

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is wrapped up by Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is wrapped up by Jerome Baker #55 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Will James Conner play this week?

James Conner was a full participant for Tuesday’s practice, and that is a good sign for him playing on Thursday night. The Steelers have been banged up at running back in recent weeks, and so it will be useful to get their bell-cow back.

According to Pro Football Reference, James Conner has rushed for 380 yards and another 236 yards receiving. He has been a consistent back for the Steelers and should be worth an extension in the off-season.

With Ben Roethlisberger hurt, the Steelers have had to rely on a good defense and running the ball. A player like James Conner makes a massive difference in the outcome of a game because the offense can have the ball longer and control the pace of the game.

Conner is also a productive runner and has been to the Pro Bowl. He may not make it this year, but his contributions still don’t go unnoticed. He can get the defense to focus on him, which opens up the passing game for an inexperienced quarterback like Mason Rudolph.

The Steeler may still be without running back Benny Snell, but they will even have much more depth at running back than in week’s past. They will be able to start James Conner and then bring in Jaylen Samuels. They will also have Trey Edmunds and Tony Brooks-James available to them.

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