RADIO
James Conner To Battle For Backup Touches
6 years agoPittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner heads into his second NFL season with plenty to prove. It is hard enough backing up a workhorse like Le'Veon Bell but Conner failed to make a lasting impression with his limited opportunities. In 14 games last season, Conner rushed the ball 32 times for 144 yards (4.5 yards per carry) with zero touchdowns. Conner's best performance of the season came in Week 4 against Baltimore, taking four carries for 26 rushing yards during mop-up duty of a 26-9 Steelers win. In fact, Conner's season high in touches last season was only five.
The second-year running back will be hard pressed to improve upon those numbers in 2018. Bell will be chomping at the bit to have another huge season plus Conner will have to fend off backups Fitzgerald Toussaint and free agent signee Stevan Ridley for carries.
Conner certainly has the fresher legs than Toussaint and Ridley but will have to show the coaching staff he can execute all of his assignments in training camp to assure himself a role on a team that plans to score a ton of points in 2018. Conner's value could rise if health becomes a concern in the Steelers backfield but, as of now, should not be under fantasy consideration come draft day for 2018.
Source: Pittsburgh Steelers
Source: Pittsburgh Steelers
