Steelers' Mike Tomlin optimistic on return of James Conner, Ramon Foster

Mike Tomlin gave his Pittsburgh Steelers players the day off Monday, which is his custom at the beginning of each week.

Had the Steelers conducted a practice, though, running back James Conner would have fully participated, Tomlin said.

Tomlin said Conner could return from a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury when the Steelers play the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.

“There is some angst there,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “We feel comfortable about his availability.”

Without Conner, the Steelers were held to 42 yards rushing on 27 attempts in their 17-12 victory against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Jaylen Samuels, who started in place of Conner for the second consecutive week, led with 29 yards on 19 attempts.

Conner leads the Steelers with 380 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

Tomlin also said guard Ramon Foster will be given a chance to return against the Browns. Foster has missed back-to-back games because of a concussion.

Tomlin wasn’t as optimistic about a trio of players who were injured against the Rams being available following the short work week, which will include one day of practice.

Wide receiver Ryan Switzer (back) and linebackers Ola Adeniyi (hip) and Anthony Chickillo (ribs) were awaiting evaluation when Tomlin spoke to reporters.

“There won’t be a lot of opportunities during the week for those guys to work into the rotation and show their availability simply by the way we have to practice and the structure with which we work this week,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin said he is “less optimistic” about running back Benny Snell (knee surgery) and fullback Roosevelt Nix (knee) suiting up against Cleveland.

Here is some of what Tomlin had to say during his press conference:

Tomlin didn't want to disrupt what Zach Banner's role is as a blocking tight end, which was one reason he went with Chuks Okorafor.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

On O-line changes: It will depend on who is able to return and who the Steelers are facing. Thought with Aaron Donald on defense, Tomlin wanted 3 tackles on the field. "We'll use the appropriate mix depending on the circumstances."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

On Landry and Beckham. "From a talent standpoint, there's no tandem that approaches those guys."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

Tomlin on Browns: Kareem Hunt and NIck Chubb are going to be a "big challenge." On Chubb, "if you don't slow him down," it doesn't matter about the Browns wide receivers.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

Tomlin said Steelers need to work on possession of the football. "That has been a bugaboo for us. We'll continue to work in that area."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

James Conner would have been a full participant had the Steelers practiced Monday. "We feel comfortable about his availability." He said same about Ramon Foster. Does not feel the same way about Benny Snell and Roosevelt Nix.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

Injuries: Switzer (back), Adeniyi (hip), Chickillo (ribs). Tomlin said they haven't been evaluated yet.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

Tomlin on reviewing Rams game: "Collectively, we all stayed in the fight. There are going to be games like that, especially when you are playing good people."

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

Moments away from the Tomlin press conference where we expect to get some injury updates on who may be available Thursday against the Browns.

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019

Tons of takeaways highlight 5 things learned from Steelers' win over Rams

(Via TribLive) https://t.co/02gmISIPXo

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) November 11, 2019