James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster remain sidelined at Thursday practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back at practice on Thursday getting ready for Week 12, and once again running back James Conner and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster were both not participation. Conner and Smith-Schuster both sat out Wednesday’s practice as well.

Conner is dealing with a shoulder injury he re-aggravated last Thursday. Jaylen Samuels replaced him as the starter. Benny Snell is a full participant in practice this week and would serve as a complement to Samuels if Conner does not play.

JuJu is dealing with a concussion and knee injury suffered on an illegal hit on Thursday. He left the game and did not return, and he is not expected to play this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fantasy football analysis: Steelers offense

Diontae Johnson appears to be on track to return from his own concussion, which would give Mason Rudolph a starting receiver duo of Johnson and James Washington. The bigger concern for Rudolph will be the absence of his center, Maurkice Pouncey, due to a suspension. But the loss of JuJu is a serious problem.

Facing a bad Bengals squad, Samuels will be a solid start if Conner does not play. Snell is not worth a spot at this point.