Running back James Conner of the Pittsburgh Steelers was ruled out for the third straight game on Friday and to make matters worse for the offense, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.
Smith-Schuster sustained a groin injury during practice on Thursday and was limited in practice on Friday. He leads the Steelers with 95 catches for 1,274 yards and six touchdowns this season.
If Smith-Schuster is unable to play against the Saints, the Steelers would start James Washington in his place, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Conner, who has stepped up with Le’Veon Bell sitting out this season in hopes of landing a new contract, has been out because of an ankle injury after rushing for 909 yards and 12 touchdowns in the first 12 games.
Rookie running back Jaylen Samuels is expected to start in place of Conner after rushing for 142 yards on 19 carries last week in a victory over the New Orleans Saints.
Steelers cornerback Joe Haden has been limited in practice all week while trying to return to the field for the first time since sustaining a broken left fibula in Week 10. He is listed as questionable to play on Sunday.