| Advertisement |
James Conner has been a hit during his first year as the Pittsburgh Steelers' feature back, but ball security has been an issue at times this season. Conner lost a fumble in Sunday's 24-17 setback to the Denver Broncos, marking the fourth time he's put the ball on the ground for a turnover.
Advertisement
Coach Mike Tomlin admitted on Tuesday that he's not "overly concerned" with Conner, however he was quick to note that opponents could be targeting the ball while it is in his hands.
"I will acknowledge that as a feature ball carrier in this league, when you got some tape with some balls on the ground that people use that as motivation. I know we do," Tomlin said.
"We're playing a feature runner and in recent weeks he's got balls on the ground, Wednesday morning that's being discussed. That's the nature of my conversation with James. Just understand how the other 31 teams function. That in L.A. somewhere tomorrow morning, they'll be talking about his balls on the ground. I'll be excited about watching his response to that."
On Sunday, Conner took a screen pass 23 yards before losing the ball while being tackled by Bradley Roby.
"Obviously I'm not in a good mood right now," the 23-year-old Conner told reporters on Sunday. "Don't mean to be short with you guys. Just wanted to win the game. I'm a competitor."
With Le'Veon Bell away from the team this season, Conner has rushed for 849 yards and 10 touchdowns while reeling in 49 passes for 453 yards and one receiving score.
The 6-foot-1, 233-yard Conner will look to hold onto the ball on Sunday (8:20 p.m. ET) when the Steelers (7-3-1) host the Chargers (8-3) at Heinz Field.
