James Conner closer to returning than JuJu Smith-Schuster for Steelers

Pittsburgh is hoping to get Conner and Smith-Schuster back at some point.

According to Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, running back James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster are both still on the mend from their respective injuries. Conner continues to work his shoulder injury and Smith-Schuster is trying to come back from a knee injury.

Based on Tomlin’s comments, both guys are a long way from coming back but what was more troubling is Tomlin’s assertion that Conner is probably closer to getting on the field than Smith-Schuster is.

When the Steelers lost Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell this offseason, Smith-Schuster and Conner were supposed to be the guys to replace them. But it seems down the stretch it’s going to be James Washington and Benny Snell Jr., with Devlin Hodges and not Ben Roethlisberger leading this team on a playoff run.

With games coming up against the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens among the final four, you can bet the coaches will be cautious with their two top offensive stars.

[vertical-gallery id=455598]

[lawrence-related id=455649]

Steelers HC names starting quarterback for Week 14

The Steelers are sticking with the hot hand at quarterback against the Cardinals.

One of the most important topics for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at his Tuesday press conference centered around the Steelers starting quarterback. Pittsburgh goes on the road this week to take on the Arizona Cardinals with their playoff hopes on the line.

And Tomlin announced he has decided to play the hot hand and start Devlin Hodges for a second straight game. Hodges was named the starter last week against the Cleveland Browns and got the second win of his rookie season. Hodges’ play as an undrafted rookie and essentially a guy who started his career as a training camp arm has been nothing short of remarkable.

When Ben Roethlisberger went down with an injury in the second game of the season, everyone assumed it would be Mason Rudolph who would lead the team. But right now Hodges is playing with far more confidence and has earned the confidence of the team. This was definitely the right call for a team on the cusp of the playoffs.

[vertical-gallery id=455435]

[lawrence-related id=455649]

Steelers vs Cardinals: 3 causes for concern this week

There’s plenty to worry about this week against the Cardinals.

It’s been quite a ride for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season. After losing Ben Roethlisberger to an elbow injury this team has fought its way back from the brink of disaster to continue holding onto the final playoff spot in the AFC with four games to play. This week the Steelers must travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals and you can’t let their 3-8-1 record. This is a talented football team. Here are the things we are worried about this week.

The challenge of Kyler Murray

Despite being somewhat limited with a hamstring injury last week, Murray still represents a significant challenge for the Steelers defense. Murray is an elite athlete who leaves defenses off balance with his arm and his feet. Much like guys like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen, Murray is going to push the levels of discipline of the Steelers pass rush.

Pages: 123