Tomlin 'optimistic' Conner will return from shoulder injury vs. Rams

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that running back James Conner will be limited in practice early this week as he continues to recover from his shoulder injury, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Conner missed Pittsburgh's Week 9 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but Tomlin said he's "optimistic" the tailback will play Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The third-year rusher's practice time will "perk up" as the week goes on, but Tomlin added he "will make no bold predictions" on Conner's availability.

The 24-year-old injured his shoulder in Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins and didn't practice at all last week.

Jaylen Samuels started in place of Conner against the Colts, rushing for 10 yards on eight carries while hauling in 13 catches for 73 receiving yards.