Steelers Week 16 injury report: James Conner ruled out vs. Saints while JuJu Smith-Schuster is listed as questionable

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints without their Pro Bowl running back on Sunday after James Conner was officially ruled out of the game on Friday’s injury report and he may end up not being the only offensive star forced to miss the game. With JuJu Smith-Schuster also listed a questionable for the game with a groin injury he suffered in practice on Thursday, it appears he will be a game day decision for the medical staff.

Conner was once again unable to practice all week long and will miss his third consecutive game of the year in Week 16. He will be replaced in the backfield by Jaylen Samuels. Despite sitting out training on Friday, a day after he was forced to leave practice early, there seems to be a level of optimism among his teammates that Smith-Schuster will still be on the field against the Saints.

Although Terrell Edmunds, Cameron Heyward and Bud Dupree each began the week as injury concerns, all are expected to play on Sunday. Even with a hyperextended elbow, Heyward was able to practice every day, while Edmunds and Dupree were full participants on Thursday and Friday.