*James Conner – Noteworthy
RB James Conner shouldn’t be relegated to the bench when three-time Pro Bowl selection Le’Veon Bell returns to the team, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. Roethlisberger made his feelings known Tuesday on 93.7 The Fan. “Now granted, I think Le’Veon’s one of the best in the business, I think we all understand that and can agree on that,” Roethlisberger said, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “But what James needs to understand — and he’s gonna say the right things, and he should (as) a younger guy with a veteran, awesome football player ahead of him — but when Le’Veon comes back, in no way, shape or form should James just say, ‘OK, it’s all yours. I’m gonna sit back and when you need me, use me.’ And I will push for James to get as much run as we can because we’ve seen some great things from him in all phases of football. He’s picking up blitzes, he’s catching the ball, he’s running hard and making plays and playing with a passion, so we need to keep using that.”
Ben Roethlisberger – Important – Injury
QB Ben Roethlisberger did not practice Wednesday. He said he’s been dealing with an elbow injury since the first week of the season, but said it’s not a big deal.
L.J. Fort – Noteworthy – Injury
LB L.J. Fort suffered an ankle injury against the Falcons. He did not practice Wednesday. Fort helped fill in for Vince Williams against the Falcons, playing on passing downs.
Morgan Burnett – Noteworthy – Injury
S Morgan Burnett, who missed the past three games with a groin injury, did not practice Wednesday.
The Steelers could shut him down until after their bye week in hopes of getting him healthy for the second half of the season. Burnett has been bothered by the injury since training camp.
T.J. Watt – Important
LB T.J. Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season on Wednesday after collecting his second three-sack performance. Watt had eight tackles and forced a fumble during Pittsburgh’s 41-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He also received the honor in Week 1 following a three-sack effort versus Cleveland.
Terrell Edmunds – Noteworthy – Injury
S Terrell Edmunds sustained a calf injury against the Falcons, but he was able to practice Wednesday.
Vince Williams – Noteworthy – Injury
LB Vince Williams, who missed the Falcons game with a hamstring injury, returned to practice Wednesday.