Footballguys Update - PIT RB Conner OUT This Week - RB Corps - Samuels As TE?

[Footballguys.com]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Talk about the Steelers running backs you need to know about. We told you in last night's email update NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported the injury to James Conner was not considered major: [From Rapoport on Monday](=): "On #Steelers RB James Conner: My understanding is the injury is not to his ankle and not considered major at all. Coach Mike Tomlin called it a contusion and it seems like he'll be OK, based on early impressions. How much it swells will be telling." We also advised readers our Dr. Jene Bramel would be on top of the situation with his [Early Injury Rounds](). Today, Rapoport updated the situation with bad news. [From Rapoport](=): "#Steelers RB James Conner is out this week, coach Mike Tomlin tells reporters. The tests came back and showed it was more serious than their initial read. He now describes it as a sprain, not a contusion." This presents the important question: "Who will get the running back work for Pittsburgh this week?" The answer is it's not entirely clear. Jaylen Samuels is the logical guy. Although Stevan Ridley and Trey Edmunds are expected to see work too. Here is head coach [Mike Tomlin talking about it.]() Joe Rutter of the [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review had this tonight:]( "Tomlin said he will consider using a committee approach to replace Conner. “That is our intentions as we sit here,” he said. “We have a preparation week ahead of us and sometimes the division of labor is revealed to you through that work. We have a great deal of confidence in Ridley, we’ve got a great deal of confidence in Jaylen, particularly of late. He’s a guy who has been on the rise in recent weeks.” "A converted tight end/fullback, Samuels scored his second career NFL touchdown after Conner exited with 4:45 remaining Sunday. Samuels caught back-to-back passes, the second going for a 10-yard touchdown that tied the score, 30-30. For the season, Samuels has 12 carries for 31 yards and seven catches for 54 yards and two scores. He has served as Conner’s backup in recent weeks after Ridley had the job until he fumbled in a midseason win over the Cleveland Browns. "Edmunds, the older brother of first-round pick Terrell Edmunds, was signed to the practice squad after the New Orleans Saints released him in September. In 2017, Edmunds had nine carries for 48 yards and a touchdown with the Saints. "Edmunds has worked with the scout team during practices this season. “I’ve seen a good skill set,” Tomlin said. “I’ve seen a willing participant. I’ve seen a guy that has shown a skill set that may be geared toward some special teams. … I know he earned his stripes in New Orleans in that capacity.” [[[[[[ Footballguys View ]]]]] Right now, we'd rank them Samuels, Ridley and Edmunds. As Tomlin said, this week of practice will possibly give us some more information as to how they'll be used. And of course game flow and riding the "hot hand" is always a factor. And also one side note, depending on your league platform and your league constitution, Jaylen Samuels qualifies as a tight end in some leagues. Check to see where he's available to use in your league. I don't tell anyone how to bend the rules, but you should be aware of your options. Have a great Tuesday. J Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =