James Conner named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance vs. Miami

It was a good day for the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday night. Not only did they defeat the Miami Dolphins 27-14 on Monday Night Football, but they had some awesome individual efforts by several players on the team.

One of those players, running back James Conner, was given a league-wide award for his play when he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 8 of the 2019 regular season.

During the game Conner registered 145 rushing yards, his first 100+ yard game of the season, and scored a rushing touchdown on top of that. Conner’s average of 6.3 yards per carry is the highest of any game in his NFL career in which he had more than five rushing attempts.

While the performance was fantastic, Steelers fans are concerned about the health of their Pro Bowl running back moving forward. In the waning minutes of the Week 8 contest Conner left the game with what is being described as an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. He hasn’t been ruled out for Week 9 yet, but there is still hope he could play in the upcoming game vs. the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field.

Conner’s performance was outstanding, but a few other players could have also been serious contenders for their own individual awards after Monday night. JuJu Smith-Schuster’s 103 yards receiving and 1 TD would have been in the discussion, Minkah Fitzpatrick’s 2 INT game should have been considered and T.J. Watt’s 2 sack, 3 QB hit, forced fumble and fumble recovery was one heck of a night as well.

It is a good problem to have when you are debating which player from your favorite team could win an award for their stellar performance on the field that week. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for the Colts in Week 9.