Report: Steelers RB James Connor May Return from COVID-19 List Monday, Not Expected to Start

Steelers running back James Conner is eligible to be activated from the COVID-19 reserve list on Monday, but he is unexpected to play a major role in the team’s game whether he dresses or not, according to a report by Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Conner was placed on the reserve list on Nov. 28 after testing positive for COVID-19. It is unclear if Conner has been symptomatic or asymptomatic.

Second-year running back Benny Snell Jr. is expected to start and should once again get the bulk of the carries for the Steelers offense.

Snell filled in extensively for Conner when he was injured in the season opener against the New York Giants and also got the start on Wednesday against the Baltimore Ravens.

Snell was spelled by rookie Anthony McFarland Jr. on Wednesday. The Steelers are expected to have veteran backup Jaylen Samuels return from a quadriceps injury that caused him to miss the last two games.

The Steelers also got starting defensive end Stephon Tuitt off the COVID-19 reserve list this week. Tackle Jerald Hawkins and center Maurkice Pouncey remain on the list.