James Conner: stock – down
James Conner is in a contract year and needed to stay healthy and produce for any chance of an extension from the Steelers to remain in Pittsburgh. His health quickly became a concern as he was seen getting his ankle taped on the sidelines early in the first half.
After the second quarter, we did not see James Conner take another snap in the game. Things could not have gone worse for him in this season opener.
Snell finished the game with 19 carries for 113 yards which were good for a 5.9 average. If he can continue to produce when called upon, James Conner is going to start to lose opportunities to show why he deserves a second contract with the team.
The Steelers are 1-0 and they will look to head home next week to face Drew Lock and the Denver Broncos. They have some things from Monday that they must improve on but they have a chance to get out of the gates hot, which is something they have struggled in recent years.