In efforts to keep the edge that got him this far, James Conner will enter his third season with the hunger of a rookie looking for a job.

"You've got to earn it every day," he said in late December when asked if he's the tailback of the Steelers' future. "It's never enough when you think you've done enough. That's when you start to get on the decline. ... You've got to earn it every day, practice hard and show you belong. I definitely don't feel like I've done enough yet."

Related players: LeVeon Bell

The story said that's exactly what the Steelers like to hear, but Conner is selling himself a bit short. From teammates up to ownership, the Steelers have praised Conner's development in a sophomore season that included 973 rushing yards, 12 rushing TDs and an AFC Offensive Player of the Month award. Conner added 55 catches for 497 yards in a Steelers offense that relied heavily on the back for easy yardage off dump-offs. The story added Conner struggled with conditioning and blitz pickups as a rookie but was more than ready when he showed up for his second training camp. Of course, it's expected Bell will not be back with the Steelers in 2019, so as of now, Conner seems set to be the team's RB1 heading into 2019.

James Conner (ankle) is practicing in full in preparation for a must-win game for the Steelers. He should be on the field come Sunday.

Jaylen Samuels has done an admirable job in Conner's stead, but this job is his if he is on the field. Conner figures to be an elite RB1 in a must-win game against a terrible Bengals rush defense.

Tomlin says Sean Davis (quad), Vince Williams (toe) and James Conner (ankle) are all questionable to play this week against the Bengals.

Related players: Jaylen Samuels

Tomlin went on to say practice participation will determine their availability this week. If Conner can't go again, Samuels would get most of the workload.

The Steelers have declared James Conner (ankle) out for Week 16.

Jaylen Samuels gets another start and should be productive as a low-end RB1. The Saints rush defense is nothing to sneeze at, though, so Samuels will have to make hay in the passing game if he is to live up to expectations.

On Wednesday, Steelers running back James Conner said, "“I’m trying. It’s day by day. These high-ankle sprains are deceiving. I can walk around fine, I’m not limping around, but when I’m out there on the field, cutting and stuff, I’m just not ready yet.”

Multiple reports are swirling around the stud second-year pro, and none of them are good. If you were hoping to have him this week, you need to get a plan in place and prepare as though he won't be available. Jaylen Samuels will be a borderline RB1 in his stead.