The Pittsburgh Steelers expect to have running back James Conner available for Week 15, but he might not be quite the must-start fantasy football option we might expect. Conner is going to be listed as the starter, but is expected to split carries with Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell, according to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport.
Conner separated his shoulder in Week 8, and aggravated the injury when he returned in Week 11. He has been sidelined since, but will give it a go on Sunday Night Football against the Bills. Snell had been starting in his place, with Samuels working more on passing downs.
Fantasy football analysis: Steelers running backs
This has become a sticky situation. If Conner were healthy, he’d be the must start of this group. Now, he becomes an option, but maybe not a great one. The Bills defense has been solid, and they have given up the 14th fewest fantasy points to running backs. Not exactly shutdown, but a little better than average.
Deciding whether or not to start Conner is going to come down to your other roster options. Conner is the one to start as compared to Snell and Samuels, but whether or not to start him on your roster will depend on the rest of your roster. I think he ends up with the a majority of the touches, but there are no guarantees on that.