Steelers James Conner battling for RB2 spot

Jul 25, 2017

Off the field, the Steelers struck a PR coup when they drafted former Pitt star and cancer survivor James Conner in the third round. Conner is already the NFL’s No. 2 leader in jersey sales, but now the question is whether he can be the Steelers' No. 2 running back.

After failing to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension, Le’Veon Bell is not expected to arrive anytime soon in camp, giving Conner a chance to solidify the No. 2 spot.

Conner was limited in spring practice with a hamstring injury but should be good to go this week in Latrobe where he’ll likely receive the heaviest workload.

Knile Davis, who signed a one-year, $775,000 contract in free agency, brings four years of experience and could finally prove to be the Steelers’ answer at kick returns. As a running back, Davis is a slight upgrade over Fitzgerald Toussaint.

Fantasy Impact:

As the story said, this running back “battle” is all a moot point the minute Bell reports. Without a long-term deal in place, there’s even less incentive for the Steelers to lighten Bell’s workload. Bell's backup could prove to have some fantasy value so it's a battle worth watching.

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Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown's practice window to open "Friday or Monday"

Ian Rapoport

2 hours ago

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown has received final clearance to practice, paving the way for him to play before the regular season ends.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery to repair his SC joint, should have his window opened Friday or Monday. The team will be cautious.

Fantasy Impact:

If Brown were cleared by Week 17, he would be incredibly tough to start in pretty much any sort of fantasy league with Championships on the line. However, he could be an interesting click for Playoff-only leagues if he can ramp up in time.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker misses second straight practice

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

For a second straight day today, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III didn’t practice due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

Looks like things should be cleared out for Charbonnet once again in what could be a very close game against the Packers. If Walker misses Week 15, fire Charbs up as a high-end RB2.

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo, Nick Bosa, and Dre Greenlaw active for Week 15

Lindsey Pallares

3 hours ago

In Week 15, the red and gold have defensive lineman Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw active and ready for the team's second meeting with their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers will have rookie running back Isaac Guerendo available against the Rams. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday on account of a foot sprain but was given the green light to play ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Fantasy Impact:

We do expect Guerendo to handle the majority workload for TNF, but you do have to wonder if he gets the same type of workload he would have, had he avoided the injury report all week. Consider him closer to an RB3 than a locked-in RB2 he otherwise would have been.