Pittsburgh Steelers stat predictions for the 2020 NFL season

James Conner

879 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns, 4.3 yards per carry

405 receiving yards, 1 touchdown, 8.4 yards per catch

The Steelers have made it clear that James Conner is still their ‘bell cow’ back. However, the days of expected 20 carries per game are long behind us, and he won’t be the fantasy football king like he was halfway through the 2018 season.

Much of this has to do with Conner’s injury history. While it’s possible that the Steelers could run him until the wheels fall off (as Conner is also entering the final year of his contract), Pittsburgh is still going to want him healthy if and when they find themselves in the playoffs.

Through three seasons, Conner has missed 11 games. When he does play, he’s never proven to be anything more than perhaps maybe an above-average back at times. With quality depth behind him, Pittsburgh could end up shifting to more of a committee approach as the season goes on – especially if a player like Anthony McFarland or Benny Snell is more efficient with their touches.

In addition, it’s probably a safe bet that Conner won’t suit up for every game this year – given his history. I have a very modest stat line for the Steelers feature running back in 2020.