Jaylen Samuels to start at running back for Steelers as James Conner is ruled out

Jaylen Samuels returned in time to start at running back on Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field, as James Conner was ruled out.

Samuels missed the past two games while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. The second-year back has rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and has 13 catches for 83 yards. He rushed for 142 yards on 19 carries against the New England Patriots in one of his three starts last season.

Both Conner (shoulder) and Benny Snell (knee) were injured against the Miami Dolphins on Monday. The Steelers promoted running back Tony Brooks-James from the practice squad and waived wide receiver Donte Moncrief. Brooks-James will wear No. 40.

The Steelers also will be without starting left guard Ramon Foster (concussion), who will be replaced in the starting lineup by B.J. Finney. Quarterback Paxton Lynch, tight end Zach Gentry, cornerback Justin Layne and defensive lineman L.T. Walton are inactive for the Steelers.

The Colts game marks the return of outside linebacker Anthony Chickillo, who missed the Dolphins game after he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after his arrest after a domestic dispute at Nemacolin Woodlands. Rookie inside linebacker Ulysees Gilbert also returns from a back injury.

The Colts will be without leading receiver T.Y. Hilton, who has 32 receptions for 360 yards and five touchdowns. Also inactive for the Colts are offensive lineman Le’Raven Clark, defensive tackle Carl Davis, cornerback Pierre Desir, defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis, running back Jonathan Williams and cornerback Quincy Wilsonn.

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