Steelers activate James Conner from COVID-19/Reserve list, status of several other players in limbo

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated running back James Conner off the Reserve/COVID-19 List. Conner had missed the past two games while on that list, with Benny Snell gaining 75 yards on 23 carries.

Conner is expected to play Sunday against the Bills.

Pittsburgh’s 21 yards rushing in the team’s first loss Monday marked the franchise’s third-lowest total since 1970. While head coach Mike Tomlin has stressed repeatedly the Steelers don’t need to grind it out to win — not with Ben Roethlisberger having a remarkable comeback season after missing most of 2019 with a right elbow injury — the inability to produce any sort of consistent offensive balance has taken its toll.

The statuses of fellow starters Maurkice Pouncey, Joe Haden, Steven Nelson and Chris Boswell are still up in the air. Haden was knocked out of Monday’s game and has been placed in the concussion protocol, while Nelson and Boswell both missed with injuries.

The Steelers also announced that Ulysees Gilbert (back) returned to practice on Wednesday. Gilbert remains on IR and will have 21 days to return to the active roster or remain on season-ending IR.

With Robert Spillane out this week and probably next because of a knee injury, Gilbert could be used as necessary depth. Avery Williamson is expected to take his place beside Vince Williams in the starting lineup this week.

The Steelers also signed defensive lineman Cassius Marsh off the practice squad of the Colts. Marsh will play as an outside linebacker for the Steelers. He has played for the Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Colts and Jaguars, appearing in 91 career games with nine starts and 14 career sacks.

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