Steelers' Tomlin: It's possible Conner could play vs. Patriots

The Pittsburgh Steelers could receive a boost to their offense for their marquee Week 15 matchup against the New England Patriots.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that it's possible running back James Conner will be able to play following a productive week of rehabbing his injured ankle, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Conner was inactive for the Steelers' 24-21 defeat against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Rookie Jaylen Samuels led the team's rushing attack on the day with 11 carries for 28 yards, though he added a more impressive 64 receiving yards on seven catches. Veteran Stevan Ridley scored the team's lone touchdown on the ground.

The 23-year-old Conner, a third-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has 1,376 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns on the season.

The Week 14 loss to the Raiders dropped the Steelers to 7-5-1 on the season. Pittsburgh remains just a half-game ahead of the Baltimore Ravens (7-6) for the top seed in the AFC North.