Samuels isn't a lock to make Pittsburgh's season-opening roster, Bob Labriola of the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

James Conner is the de facto starter -- though his injury issues afford minimal long-term security -- and it's essentially an open competition between the backs behind him. Samuels will be competing with Benny Snell, Kerrith Whyte and fourth-round rookie Anthony McFarland. Samuels struggled on the ground with 175 rushing yards on a 2.7 YPC last year, and he also caught 47 of 57 targets for 305 yards with two total touchdowns.

Samuels caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Ravens.

EDGE Analysis

Playing in 14 games this season, Samuels struggled to run the ball effectively, finishing 2019 with 175 yards and a touchdown on 66 carries (2.7 YPC) compared to 256 yards on 56 attempts (4.6 YPC) in 2018. Conversely, his role in the passing game increased with Samuels catching 47 of 57 targets for 305 yards and a touchdown. He also completed four of five passes for 35 yards with an interception while occasionally lining up in wildcat formations due to the Steelers' issues at quarterback. Samuels' usage in 2020 will depend largely on the health of other players such as James Conner and Ben Roethlisberger, but he seems to have proven he's not a viable option in a lead role out of the backfield.

Samuels ran three times for seven yards and caught four passes for 32 yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

James Conner's early exit due to a thigh injury resulted in Pittsburgh employing a backfield by committee approach. Samuels had the fewest carries but was the only running back utilized in the passing game with six targets. He has been held under 40 yards from scrimmage and has failed to score in four of the last five games.

Samuels lost one yard on two carries and caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

On a night when the entire offense struggled, Samuels had the worst game of his short career. With James Conner back on the field, Samuels fantasy value may be limited to that of an occasional receiver out of the backfield. Pittsburgh heads to New York in Week 16 to face a Jets defense that is tough against the run but has given up the fifth-most receptions to opposing running backs. That bodes well for Samuels in PPR formats, but he is still a risky play in what may be the championship game for many fantasy owners.

Samuels (groin) returned to practice Thursday as a full participant, saying he expects to play in Sunday's game against the Bills, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samuels thus figures to handle some type of pass-catching role behind James Conner, who upgraded to full practice participation Wednesday after missing five of the past six games. Conner is the favorite to lead the team in carries if he plays, but it isn't quite clear how the snaps will shake out between him, Samuels, Benny Snell and Kerrith Whyte.

Samuels (groin) took part in practice Thursday, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Samuels' official activity level won't be revealed until Thursday's practice report is released, but the running back said he "feels good to go for Sunday" against the Bills. If he does suit up, he may not be much more than an available body on the sideline, as No. 1 RB James Conner (shoulder) practiced in full Wednesday and seems poised to return Sunday after missing five of the previous six games. In the end, Samuels may be no better than third on the depth chart behind Conner and Benny Snell Jr.

Samuels (groin) didn't practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The groin injury Samuels suffered in Sunday's win over the Cardinals leaves his status for the Week 15 game against the Bills up in the air for the time being. Even if he gains clearance by the weekend, Samuels may be pushed into a smaller role anyway with top back James Conner (shoulder) seemingly on track to put an end to a three-game absence after opening the week as a full practice participant.

Samuels suffered a groin injury during the Steelers' Week 14 win at Arizona, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With James Conner (shoulder) absent for the fifth time in six games this past Sunday, Samuels again split RB reps with Benny Snell Jr., earning a 47 percent share of the offensive snaps en route to nine touches for 34 yards from scrimmage. There's a belief Conner will return Sunday versus the Bills, so any sort of health concern for Samuels hurts his ability to retain a role once the Steelers' No. 1 RB is back in the saddle. Wednesday's injury report may set the tone for the upcoming state of this backfield.

Samuels ran seven times for 16 yards and caught both his targets for 18 yards in Pittsburgh's 23-17 win over Arizona on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

In the past three games Samuels has been outgained on the ground by both Benny Snell and Kerrith Whyte and may find his role reduced if James Conner (shoulder) returns to action in Week 15 as expected. Utilized mostly as a receiver out of the backfield, Samuels will face a Buffalo defense that has not allowed a running back to catch a touchdown pass since Week 3.

Samuels ran for 32 yards on seven carries and had two catches for 22 yards during Sunday's 20-13 win over the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Rookie Benny Snell continued to get the lion's share of the touches with James Conner (shoulder) out for the second consecutive week, but the sophomore back still managed to put up his third-highest yardage total of the season. Depending on Conner's health heading into Week 14 against the Cardinals, Samuels could have a really nice matchup as the pass-catcher in Pittsburgh's backfield. The Cardinals have struggled mightily against the pass this season and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's defenses have historically struggled to cover backs and tight ends.