James Conner, Steelers have faith in Devlin Hodges and Benny Snell Jr.
The Steelers offense have seen more than their fair share of injuries. Possibly on their third-string quarterback, losing their backup running back for a month, and backup receiver for multiple weeks.
It's never easy for a team to adjust when losing key pieces, but the Steelers are making the most of their misfortunes. Running back James Conner says despite the loss of quarterback, the offense can still play well.
"Same thing that would happen with Mason," Conner said when asked what he'll need to do if Hodges starts. "Whether or not he's back, try to play the best football we can, to make it easy for him."
Conner and the Steelers know they've been through a rough patch early in the season. The injuries and close losses have put them in a do-or-die situation each week, but they aren't concerned about what's gone wrong.
"Adversity is to be expected," Conner said. "Even if we did have Ben still here, it wasn't going to be a smooth ride either way. Right now, it's our record and with our quarterback situation, so we just have to find a way to fight through it."
If Hodges does start on Sunday, Pittsburgh will be game planning for their third quarterback of the season. Despite a new face, though, the Steelers will not change their offense too much.
"I don't believe so," Conner said when asked about the offense changing with Hodges under center. "Devlin's in Pittsburgh and we're in this Pittsburgh offense, so you got to adapt."
Hodges isn't the only rookie looking for a bigger role in Week 6. Benny Snell Jr. will step into the backup running back job for the next month as Jaylen Samuels recovers with a knee sprain.
Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Snell has been, "chapping at the bit" for an opportunity to see the backfield. According to Conner, Snell is going to be fine when given the chance.
"Just learning every day. Being asked to do things that he didn't have to do in college," Conner said. "It's a different game from college, but Benny is more than capable. Great resume, he's practicing hard, he'll be just fine."
Conner may only be a third-year veteran, but his NFL experience is all that Snell has for mentorship. Something Conner says he's trying to help with as much as he can.
"I was a rookie before, so I know the growing pains," Conner said. "I know being in the right spots for check downs and in passing game. If I see something that I noticed, I help him with that, and he knows if he has any questions he can come to me."
