Steelers' Conner practices in full for 1st time since ankle injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers listed running back James Conner as a full participant in Wednesday's practice ahead of Sunday's pivotal Week 17 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

It was the first time Conner practiced in full since injuring his ankle in Week 13. He missed Pittsburgh's last three games.

Afterward, the second-year rusher said his ankle is "getting better every day" and that he's "hoping for the best." Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Conner is questionable to face the Bengals, according to Dave Lolley of DK Pittsburgh Sports.

In order to make the playoffs, the Steelers - who've fallen behind the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North - must defeat the Bengals and have the Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns.

Conner was in the midst of a breakout season before going down. The 2017 third-round pick has accumulated 909 rushing yards, 467 receiving yards, and 13 total touchdowns in 12 games this season.

Jaylen Samuels and Stevan Ridley have taken snaps at running back in Conner's absence.

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