*James Conner – Noteworthy – Injury
RB James Conner of the Pittsburgh Steelers was ruled out for the third straight game on Friday.
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.
*JuJu Smith-Schuster – Noteworthy – Injury
WR 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.
Joe Haden – Noteworthy – Injury
CB 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.
Le’Veon Bell – Noteworthy
RB Le’Veon Bell, who sat out this season in a futile attempt to get a new contract, will be free to sign with any team in March and reportedly is considering the Colts, according to Sports New York.
“He has his eyes on the Colts, no doubt about that,” an unnamed source told Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. “He sees (quarterback Andrew) Luck and that offense and all that cap room, and they’re much closer than the (New York) Jets. He wants to go someplace he can win right away.” Bell might be inclined take a little less money with a chance to play for a good team, and the Colts are expected to be on the short list to reach the Super Bowl next season.