The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to start their Tuesday practice and while we’ll have to wait and see if he ultimately works fully, rookie running back James Conner has arrived on the fields of Saint Vincent College in full pads, according to our very own Alex Kozora.
Conner, the Steelers second of two third-round draft picks this year, has been sidelined for more than week with an AC sprain in his left shoulder. The University of Pittsburgh product has since said he didn’t believe his injury was serious and that ice, range of motion and rest would ultimately allow him to return top practice.
After the team stretches, we’ll see if Conner is allowed to practice in any contact sessions. It would be great if Conner is able to practice on Tuesday and Wednesday and ultimately play in the team’s Friday night preseason opener against the New York Giants.
Stay tuned for more developments on Conner’s practice status.
In related news, Kozora reports that cornerback Artie Burns is not in pads today even though he said Sunday night he hoped he would resume practicing on Tuesday. Linebackers Bud Dupree and Farrington Huguenin are both back in pads ahead of Tuesdays practice as is defensive end Stephon Tuitt. Center Maurkice Pouncey and tackle Alejandro Villanueva, however, are not in pads. Villanueva was dinged up late Sunday night during the team’s practice at Heinz Field.
Mike Mitchell, Ryan Shazier, Justin Hunter, Landry Jones, Keion Adams, Demarcus Ayers, Cameron Sutton, James Harrison, and Senquez Golson also not practicing Tuesday, per Kozora.
Wide receiver Martavis Bryant is also reportedly still not allowed to practice.
