Don’t expect James Conner to opt out of 2020 season

Despite the potential COVID-19 risk of being a cancer survivor, Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner has no plans to opt out of the 2020 NFL season.

Following a wave of high-profile opt-outs for the 2020 NFL season, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero confirmed that Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner will play despite his potentially high coronavirus risk as a cancer survivor.

While players like Michael Pierce, Donta Hightower and Marquise Goodwin all opted out of the upcoming season on Tuesday, Pelissero reported that Conner is in “phenomenal shape” and has no plans to skip his contract year.

Conner’s contract status may have played a role in his decision, but the Steelers have to be happy to have him back. With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returning from injury, Pittsburgh has playoff expectations in 2020, and Conner will be a huge part of the offense.

The former Pittsburgh Panther rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2018 before an injury-marred 2019 season, and he figures to play a major role in the receiving game as well. With the Steelers boasting one of the league’s top defenses and Roethlisberger’s injury concerns still present, Conner may be the focal point of a ground-and-pound attack.

However, with a few options in Pittsburgh’s backfield, Conner’s presence will ensure that a young back like Benny Snell does not usurp him as the starter, although no reasonable fans would have blamed him for skipping the 2020 season. While he has been cancer-free for four years, his immune system could have been a concern, but he evidently feels fine about playing.

For Conner, the risk of contracting coronavirus is apparently worth the potential reward of a new contract. With Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry earning a four-year, $50 million deal in the offseason, Conner will likely hope for a similar pay day if he breaks out in 2020.