A week ago, James Conner declared on Wednesday that his ankle wasn't feeling good enough to potentially play in last Sunday's game at New Orleans.
This week, he was making no such pronouncements.
In fact, apparently after being chided by Mike Tomlin, Conner was making few real statements at all regarding a high ankle sprain that has left him sidelined for the Steelers' past three games.
But, unlike the last three weeks, when Conner was listed as out or limited at practice, he was a full participant for the Steelers on Wednesday as they prepared for their regular season finale at Heinz Field this Sunday against the Bengals.
"I'm not going to predict too far, but I am getting better every day," Conner said with a smile, repeating what he had said over and over when asked about his ankle injury by reporters.
That statement was far different than what the Steelers' leading rusher was saying a week ago when he all but declared himself out for the 31-28 loss to the Saints five days before the game was played.
"These high-ankle sprains are deceiving. I can walk around fine. I’m not limping. But when I’m out there on the field, cutting and stuff, it’s not ready yet," Conner said last week. "That’s the reason why there are 53 guys on the team. You see the way Jaylen (Samuels) and (Stevan) Ridley have been playing. They’re capable. I want to go. But if I’m not feeling like me, then I wouldn’t be James Conner. I’m day-to-day with it."
But the Steelers (8-6-1) could certainly use Conner against the Bengals (6-9) in a game they need to win and then get help from Cleveland beating Baltimore to clinch a playoff spot.
Having Conner, who was named to his first Pro Bowl last week after rushing for 909 yards and 12 touchdowns this season, would help.
Conner had 111 yards and two touchdowns on 19 rushing attempts against the Bengals in a 28-21 Steelers victory in Cincinnati Oct. 14.
"They're going to bring their best shot. We expect their best," Conner said of the Bengals. "We can't control anything that's going on in Baltimore. We've got to take care of business on our home turf and see what happens."
At least Conner isn't making the same mistake he did a week ago, declaring himself out with days to go before the game.
"It wasn't a mistake. I said what I said," Conner said.
