Steelers’ James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster have uncertain status for game vs. Cardinals

Mike Tomlin didn’t know early in the week how much work both will be able to get in this week.

The Arizona Cardinals will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend at State Farm Stadium. Pittsburgh has had to deal with a number of injuries and have been without two of their top offensive players — running back James Conner and receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Conner has been dealing with a shoulder injury and has missed the last two games. Smith-Schuster has a concussion and a knee injury that has kept him out of the last two games as well.

While the first injury report of the week will come out Wednesday afternoon, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin indicated he does not know yet whether they will be back to play against the Cardinals.

“I’d probably characterize both guys as questionable as I stand here today,” he told reporters Tuesday. “They’ve got some work in front of them in terms of rehabilitation and maybe practice participation. We’ll see where all of that leads. I really just don’t have an indication of what that might be as I sit here today.”

Tomlin said Conner probably has a better chance of practicing Wednesday.

Benny Snell has gotten the majority of the rushing attempts in Conner’s absence. In the last two games, he has rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown.

James Washington has stepped up in Smith-Schuster’s place. He had three receptions for 98 yards and a touchdown two weeks ago and four for 111 and a score last weekend.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.

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