12up Logo

3 Steelers Players Who Need to Step up After James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster Were Ruled Out

By Steven Kubitza

The Steelers will be without two key players on offense yet again this Sunday.
The Steelers will be without two key players on offense yet again this Sunday. / Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are somehow 7-5. The team has been without Ben Roethlisberger for nearly the entire season and now both James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster are dealing with injuries and will miss another game.

These absences cannot be excuses if the Steelers are going to make the playoffs. Three players in particular need to step up on offense this Sunday in Arizona with the offense down their top two stars.

3. Benny Snell

Benny Snell can emerge as the lead back in Pittsburgh.
Benny Snell can emerge as the lead back in Pittsburgh. / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The rookie out of Kentucky ran for 63 yards and a touchdown last week in a win over the Browns. That came after a full game of work and 98 yards against the Bengals. Jaylen Samuels has not done much and Snell needs to put up efficient numbers when receiving full-time work at 20 or more carries. The Arizona defense should provide him with plenty of confidence.

2. James Washington

James Washington can prove to be a major asset this Sunday.
James Washington can prove to be a major asset this Sunday. / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Washington is now the top target for the Steelers with Smith-Schuster out. He has now recorded touchdown receptions in three of the last four games and has emerged as a big-play target. He had 111 yards on only four receptions against a tough Cleveland defense this past Sunday. He needs to prove this is more than just a short stretch of success and become the top receiver.

1. Devlin Hodges

The man known as "Duck" has a lot to prove over the final four games.
The man known as "Duck" has a lot to prove over the final four games. / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Devlin Hodges was seemingly put in an impossible situation and came out victorious on Sunday. He's without his top weapons and still looks like he can lead the Steelers to the playoffs. Even though the team used a high draft pick on Mason Rudolph, if Hodges can win again with the Steelers' backups, he could end up as the long-term answer at quarterback. He'll have to get the job done against a lackluster Cardinals squad, so fans will be watching closely.