James Conner may see reduced role for Steelers in 2020

James Conner is the de facto lead back for the Pittsburgh Steelers going forward, but a chunk of his carries may go elsewhere in 2020.

Ed Bouchette of The Athletic believes that the Steelers will try to reduce Conner’s workload in 2020, even if he stays healthy. The running back has been plagued by injury issues and was limited to ten games in 2019. Reducing his carries would ideally help him stay healthier and fresher down the stretch.

The Steelers also have other running backs they want to look at. Benny Snell has the potential to spell Conner, and there is some intrigue surrounding fourth-round draft pick Anthony McFarland, whose role is yet to be determined.

Conner averages 4.4 yards per carry for his career and has been reliable when on the field. That last part has been the problem, as evidenced by his injury issues in 2019. The Steelers want him to be more reliable, and leaning on him less might be the only way to do that.