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Steelers' Conner expects to have similar role to last season

Julio Aguilar / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Some have speculated the Pittsburgh Steelers will opt for a committee approach in their backfield after drafting Benny Snell in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

However, running back James Conner believes his workload in the upcoming season will mimic that of the previous campaign.

"I'll have a similar role. I'm healthy, first and foremost, I'm 100 percent healthy now. We'll cross that bridge when we get there," Conner said, according to NFL.com's Kevin Patra. "But we got talent in that room. We got Jaylen Samuels who's a tremendous receiver, a talented runner. We got Benny Snell. We know the work that he did at Kentucky. He's a hard-bodied runner, so all those guys will get touches. It'll be fun this year just seeing those other guys being successful."

The Steelers have typically featured a workhorse in the backfield under head coach Mike Tomlin.

Conner, who missed three games last season with a high-ankle sprain, noted it was early in the offseason and his role is yet to be cemented.

"It goes week to week. The game plan will be different each week," he said. "I know I'll be a big part of it and have a big role. As far as specifics, we don't play it like that."

The 24-year-old filled in seamlessly for a disgruntled Le'Veon Bell last season. Conner had 973 rushing yards, 497 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns in just 13 games.

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