James Conner tested positive for COVID late last week and is technically eligible to return for the Steelers Monday night game against Washington, but there have been a lot of questions about whether he will play or sit out his second straight game. This will have a big effect on Week 13 start 'em, sit 'em decisions, as Conner's absence would once again open the door for Benny Snell to operate as Pittsburgh's starting running back and be a legit fantasy sleeper.
We'll continue to update this post with news on Conner up until the active/inactive report comes out on Monday at about 3:30 p.m. ET. For the latest on Terry McLaurin, click here; for more on Lamar Jackson, go here; for news on Ben Roethlisberger, click here. For all the latest fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
MNF DFS: WAS-PIT DK Lineup | BUF-SF DK Lineup | WAS-PIT FD Lineup | BUF-SF FD Lineup
Is James Conner playing on Monday night?
UPDATE: Conner is officially OUT.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that even though Conner will be eligible to come off the COVID list for Monday's game against Washington, he is considered "unlikely" to play.
With Conner out in Week 12, Benny Snell led the Steelers backfield, running 16 times for 60 yards and adding another 33 yards on three receptions. Anthony McFarland had just nine yards on three carries. Clearly Snell is the guy to pick up, and against Washington's mediocre run defense, he has RB2 upside in a game where Pittsburgh is a heavy favorite.
If Conner is a surprise active, he would be worth playing in all formats, though it's possible he would see fewer touches than usual because of the lack of practice reps. Either way, whoever starts at RB for Pittsburgh on Monday night has at least flex value with the upside for much more.
