James Conner, Kevin Dotson, Vince Williams Could Return for Steelers vs. Colts

James Conner, Kevin Dotson and Vince Williams could all return to action this week for the Steelers when the team hosts the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin said during his weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Conner and Dotson were injured in the team’s Week 14 loss to the Buffalo Bills and did not make the trip to Cincinnati for Monday Night Football, while Williams has missed each of the last two games while suffering from COVID-19.

Conner injured a quadriceps muscle in Buffalo and was a limited participant in the Steelers’ last two practice sessions before the Bengals game, but did not dress after being listed as questionable.

Benny Snell Jr. started at running back and earned praise for his performance, rushing for 84 yards on 18 carries.

Dotson suffered a shoulder injury against the Bills while replacing starter Matt Feiler, who is out for at least the rest of the regular season with a pectoral injury. He did not practice at all in the week leading up to the Cincinnati game. Dotson was replaced by a combination of J.C. Hassenauer and Derwin Gray at left guard.

Williams missed two games after being placed on the COVID-19 reserve list, but should be eligible to come off the list this week. The 30-year-old announced on Twitter the he had been dealing with symptoms of the disease while in isolation at home. Tomlin said on Tuesday that Williams is “ramping up the procedures” in anticipation of a return.

With Williams and Robert Spillane missing from the lineup, Avery Williamson and converted safety Marcus Allen started each of Pittsburgh’s last two games at inside linebacker. Williamson tied for the team lead with seven tackles against the Bengals, while Allen had six.

Tomlin said it was too soon to update the status of injured fullback Derek Watt (concussion) and tight end Eric Ebron (back), who both left the game in Cincinnati with injuries.