Steelers Injury Report: James Conner and Bud Dupree sit out practice Wednesday

For those hoping that the Pittsburgh Steelers might have James Conner back on the field in time to face the New Orleans Saints, his absence from practice on Wednesday was far from encouraging. Joined on the sidelines by Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey and Bud Dupree, while Terrell Edmunds was limited, Conner might not the only player in danger of missing the game on Sunday.

Although there are no real concerns about the involvement of Roethlisberger and Pouncey in Week 16 after they sat out training as the recipients of a veteran rest day, the status of both Conner and Dupree remains in doubt.

When speaking to the media after practice, Conner did not sound overly optimistic he would be back in action this weekend. As reported by Teresa Varley of Steelers.com.

“I am trying. It’s day-by-day. These high ankle sprains are deceiving. I can walk around fine, not limping. When I am out there on the field, cutting and stuff, it’s not ready yet. It’s the reason why there are 53 guys on the team. You see the way Jaylen (Samuels) and (Stevan) Ridley have been playing. They are capable. I want to go, but if I don’t feel like me, I won’t be James Conner. I won’t go out there less than ready. I am day-to-day with it. I tried to do a little jogging today. Then I saw what it is. I will go out there and jog, see how it feels. Just stay the course. It takes time. No matter how much treatment I do, it takes time. Just take it day-by-day.”

A limited designation for Edmunds suggests he remains in the concussion protocols and his participation against the Saints is far from guaranteed either at this stage in the week. However, there was at least some better news to share about the other injured name highlighted by Mike Tomlin on Tuesday after Cam Heyward was able to take a full part in training on Wednesday.

Over in New Orleans, their opening injury report of the week appears to feature a number of offensive lineman.