Snell out 2-3 weeks after knee surgery

Steelers RB Benny Snell is expected to miss 2-3 weeks after undergoing surgery to trim the meniscus in his injured knee. That means RB Jaylen Samuels will be locked into a feature role against the Colts this Sunday if RB James Conner's shoulder injury keeps him out.

Steelers RB Benny Snell started Saturday's 2nd preseason game against Jacksonville, working ahead of rookie Jaylen Warren. That's noteworthy because Warren has generated plenty of training-camp buzz. That included at least 1 Steelers writer positing this week that he believed Warren has already earned the #2 job. Saturday's usage, of course, doesn't necessarily mean that Snell remains the backup to Najee Harris. But it does mean we'll need to continue watching before anointing the new guy. Anthony McFarland is also in the mix for roles behind Harris. We'll see whether all 3 backup candidates make the regular-season roster.

Steelers RB James Conner is returning from his quad injury for today's game vs. the Colts, but it sounds like Benny Snell might remain the lead back. "The overall arrow of the trajectory of his play has been an upward one, and he has merited more playing time, and he'll get more playing time because of it," HC Mike Tomlin said this week. Conner has fallen short of 3.2 yards per carry in 4 of his last 5, while Snell has fared pretty well in a few starts in place of Conner. This is a backfield to try to avoid in Week 16 fantasy lineups, but Snell looks like the better bet of the 2.

Steelers RB Benny Snell (knee) was a full-go in Wednesday's practice. That puts him on track to play against the Bengals this weekend. Snell figures to mix in on early downs alongside Jaylen Samuels -- assuming James Conner is out.

Steelers rookie RB Benny Snell left Monday night's game against the Dolphins with a knee injury and has been ruled out. Pittsburgh led comfortably in the 2nd half when Snell's status was announced, but ruling Snell out points to an issue at least worth watching. RB Jaylen Samuels appears on the verge of returning, which would marginalize Snell's role anyway.

The Steelers selected RB Benny Snell in Round 4 of the NFL Draft. The 5'10, 224-pounder posted big rushing numbers at Kentucky, topping 1,000 yards in each of his 3 seasons en route to career totals of 3,873 yards and 48 rushing scores. He caught a just-decent 29 passes but flashed worthwhile hands on tape. In Pittsburgh, Snell will have to battle Jaylen Samuels to back up James Conner. Samuels showed well late in 2018, with Conner out. The starter will be in the final year of his rookie contract in 2020, giving Snell a bit of appeal later in dynasty rookie drafts. He doesn't look like an asset to chase, though.