Two former Pittsburgh Steelers running backs suffer brutal injuries in Week 3
The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to having talented running backs on their roster, and unfortunately, in Week 3 of the NFL season, two of their former players, Najee Harris and James Conner, suffered potentially significant injuries during their respective games. Both players have had their fair share of ups and downs in their careers, but injuries are always a tough blow for any athlete to handle.
Najee Harris, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, has quickly become a fan favorite in the Steel City. Known for his hard-nosed running style and versatility out of the backfield, Harris was expected to be a key piece of the Steelers’ offense this season. However, during the Steelers’ Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, Harris suffered a lower leg injury that forced him to leave the game early. The severity of the injury is still unknown, but any time a player of Harris’ caliber goes down, it’s cause for concern.
James Conner, on the other hand, was a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back who signed with the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason. Conner had a breakout season in 2018 with the Steelers, rushing for over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued Conner’s time in Pittsburgh, leading to his departure from the team. Despite his struggles, Conner was looking to revitalize his career with the Cardinals this season. Unfortunately, during the Cardinals’ Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Conner suffered a rib injury that forced him to leave the game early. Like Harris, the severity of Conner’s injury is still unknown, but it’s never easy to see a player go down, especially one who has battled injuries in the past.
Injuries are a part of the game in the NFL, and they can have a significant impact on a team’s season. Losing key players like Najee Harris and James Conner can be a tough blow for any team to overcome. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals will have to adjust their game plans and rely on their depth to fill the void left by these injuries. For Harris and Conner, the road to recovery will be challenging, but with the right mindset and determination, they can come back stronger than ever.
For Najee Harris, the injury comes at a critical time in his rookie season. The Steelers are off to a slow start this season, with a record of 1-2 through the first three games. Harris has been one of the bright spots on offense, leading the team in rushing and showing flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick. Losing Harris for an extended period of time would be a significant blow to the Steelers’ offense, as they rely heavily on his ability to run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. The Steelers will need to find a way to generate offense without Harris, which could mean relying more on the passing game or turning to their backup running backs to pick up the slack.
As for James Conner, the injury is another setback in what has been a rollercoaster career. Conner burst onto the scene in 2018, filling in for the injured Le’Veon Bell and becoming a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. However, injuries and inconsistency derailed his promising start, and he ultimately lost his starting job to rookie running back Benny Snell. Conner signed with the Cardinals in the offseason in hopes of reviving his career and proving that he still has what it takes to be a starting running back in the NFL. The rib injury he suffered in Week 3 is another obstacle for Conner to overcome, but if there’s one thing he’s proven throughout his career, it’s that he’s resilient and determined to succeed.
Injuries are a cruel reality of professional sports, and they can strike at any moment. For NFL players, the risk of injury is always present, no matter how well they take care of their bodies or how prepared they are for the physical demands of the game. Injuries can happen on any play, whether it’s a routine run up the middle or a deep pass down the field. The toll that injuries take on players, both physically and mentally, is immense, and it can be difficult to bounce back from a serious injury, especially for players like Najee Harris and James Conner who rely on their physical abilities to succeed on the field.
The road to recovery for Najee Harris and James Conner will be long and challenging, but with the right support system in place, they can come back stronger than ever. The Steelers and the Cardinals will need to adjust their game plans and find ways to win without their star running backs in the lineup. For Harris, the injury is a setback in what has been a promising start to his rookie season, but he has the talent and work ethic to overcome this obstacle. For Conner, the injury is another bump in the road of his career, but he has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to bounce back and succeed at the highest level.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game in the NFL, but they are a reality that players and teams must face. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals will need to adapt to life without Najee Harris and James Conner, at least for the time being. Injuries can create opportunities for other players to step up and make an impact, and both teams will need to rely on their depth to fill the void left by their injured running backs. As for Harris and Conner, the road to recovery will be a challenging one, but with their determination and resilience, they can overcome this setback and come back stronger than ever.
Source: Sporting News
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