Fantasy Player Profile
@BAL: #4 vs opposing RB - 19.03 FPA
| Rushing | Receiving | Fum | Fantasy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wk | Opp | Yds | TD | Yds | TD | Lost | Pts |
| 1 | @NE, | 4 | - | 2 | - | - | 1.60 |
| 2 | SEA, | 18 | - | 13 | - | - | 4.10 |
| 3 | @SF, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 4 | CIN, | 26 | 1 | 57 | - | - | 23.54 |
| 5 | BAL, | 2 | - | 11 | - | - | 2.46 |
| 6 | @LAC, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 7 | Bye | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 8 | MIA, | - | - | - | - | - | 0.00 |
| 9 | IND, | 10 | - | 73 | - | 1 | 19.30 |
| 10 | LA, | 29 | - | 11 | - | - | 7.00 |
| 11 | @CLE, | 26 | - | 19 | 1 | - | 15.50 |
| 12 | @CIN, | 6 | - | 26 | - | - | 6.20 |
| 13 | CLE, | 32 | - | 22 | - | - | 7.40 |
| 14 | @ARI, | 16 | - | 18 | - | - | 5.40 |
| 15 | BUF, | -1 | - | 5 | - | - | 1.40 |
| 16 | @NYJ, | 7 | - | 32 | - | - | 7.90 |
| 17 | @BAL, | - | - | 16 | - | - | 2.60 |
- 11.60
- 24.10
- 3
- 423.54
- 52.46
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 919.30
- 107.00
- 1115.50
- 126.20
- 137.40
- 145.40
- 151.40
- 167.90
- 172.60
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7 Bye
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
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Held to one catch in loss
Samuels caught one of two targets for 16 yards in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Ravens.
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.…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 30 at 7:59am by Rotowire.com
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Totals 39 yards in committee
Samuels ran three times for seven yards and caught four passes for 32 yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Jets.
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.
Published: Sun, Dec 22 at 3:08pm by Rotowire.com
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Non-factor vs. Bills
Samuels lost one yard on two carries and caught his only target for five yards in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Bills.
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…read more
Published: Mon, Dec 16 at 7:43am by Rotowire.com
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Logs full practice
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.
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.
Published: Thu, Dec 12 at 12:09pm by Rotowire.com
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Returns to practice Thursday
Samuels (groin) took part in practice Thursday, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.
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…read more
Published: Thu, Dec 12 at 11:07am by Rotowire.com
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Sits out practice
Samuels (groin) didn't practice Wednesday.
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.
Published: Wed, Dec 11 at 2:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Tending to groin issue
Samuels suffered a groin injury during the Steelers' Week 14 win at Arizona, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
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…read more
Published: Tue, Dec 10 at 9:53am by Rotowire.com
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Non-factor vs. Arizona
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.
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.
Published: Sun, Dec 8 at 6:29pm by Rotowire.com
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Gains 54 yards in win
Samuels ran for 32 yards on seven carries and had two catches for 22 yards during Sunday's 20-13 win over the Browns.
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…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 1 at 5:02pm by Rotowire.com
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Only five touches vs. Bengals
Samuels carried two times for six yards and caught three passes for 26 additional yards during Sunday's 16-10 win over the Bengals.
Analysis: With James Conner (shoulder) ruled out again, Samuels seemed poised for a prominent role against Cincinnati's vulnerable defense. He finished tied for fifth on the team in carries, however, and wasn't as heavily targeted in the passing game as many would've expected. Benny Snell returned from a knee injury to lead the team with 22 touches, and he appears to be the go-to option out of the backfield for as long as Conner remains sidelined. As such, Samuels isn't a particularly desirable fantasy…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 24 at 2:14pm by Rotowire.com
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Scores touchdown in ugly loss
Samuels ran for 26 yards on five carries and caught five passes for 19 yards and a touchdown in Pittsburgh's 21-7 loss to Cleveland Thursday night.
Analysis: Samuels had played 59 percent of Pittsburgh's offense snaps the past two games with James Conner (shoulder) out of commission, but just 23 percent in the four games they both took the field this season heading into this contest. With Conner returning to action against Cleveland, Samuels was expected to resume his role as backup but Conner was forced out of the game after he re-injured his shoulder. If Conner isn't ready for action in Week 12, Samuels would be looking at a prime matchup Nov. 24,…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 14 at 9:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Struggles against Rams
Samuels carried the ball 14 times for 29 yards and caught three of seven targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 17-12 win over the Rams.
Analysis: The running back couldn't get anything going either through the air or on the ground, and it's increasingly looking like Samuels can be a useful passing-down back and change-of-pace option, but not an effective lead RB. His role next week against the Browns will once again depend on the status of James Conner (shoulder).
Published: Sun, Nov 10 at 7:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Set for another leading role
Samuels and Trey Edmunds (ribs) will be the Steelers' primary running backs with James Conner (shoulder) and Benny Snell (knee) sidelined Sunday against the Rams, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Conner and Snell were unable to practice with their respective injuries, while Edmunds didn't take the field until Friday due to a rib issue. If the breakdown of backfield reps looks the same this weekend as it did Week 9 against the Colts, Samuels will lead the way again after turning 21 touches into 83 yards from scrimmage. Meanwhile, Edmunds notched 12 carries for 73 yards in the same contest.
Published: Fri, Nov 8 at 12:28pm by Rotowire.com
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Set for lead role again
Samuels' teammate James Conner (shoulder) isn't expected to play in Sunday's game against the Rams, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: With Conner out of the lineup last week, Samuels had eight carries for 10 yards and 13 catches for 73 yards on 63 percent snap share, also losing a fumble in a 26-24 win over the Colts. Trey Edmunds (ribs) took 12 carries for 73 yards on 27 percent of snaps, but he picked up an injury that held him out of practice Wednesday. A Week 10 absence for Edmunds would leave undrafted rookie Tony Brooks-James as the only backfield alternative behind Samuels, who should get a bunch of touches regardless.…read more
Published: Thu, Nov 7 at 1:31pm by Rotowire.com
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Makes 13 catches vs. Colts
Samuels carried eight times for 10 yards and caught all 13 of his targets for an additional 73 yards during Sunday's 26-24 win over the Colts. He also lost a fumble.
Analysis: Returning from a knee injury, Samuels took over as the team's top pass-catching back with James Conner (shoulder) sidelined. Although he did little with his carries, he led the team in targets, catches and receiving yards while setting a new franchise record for receptions in a game by a running back. He lost a fumble that set up a Colts touchdown in the fourth quarter, but he was later trusted to help finish out the narrow victory. Trey Edmunds (ribs), who led the team in rushing in this one,…read more
Published: Sun, Nov 3 at 2:10pm by Rotowire.com
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Set to fill in for Conner
With both James Conner (shoulder) and Benny Snell (knee) inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts, Samuels is in line to head the Steelers' Week 9 backfield, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Meanwhile, Trey Edmunds is on hand to work as the team's No. 2 backfield option, but Samuels -- who last suited up Oct. 6 -- is positioned to see as much work as he can handle Sunday, making him a favorable streaming option in Week 9 fantasy lineups.
Published: Sun, Nov 3 at 8:52am by Rotowire.com
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Positioned for Week 9 start
Samuels took all the Steelers' first-team reps during Friday's practice and appears on track to start at running back Sunday against the Colts with James Conner (shoulder) listed as doubtful for the contest, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Samuels will enter the contest without a designation after practicing fully Wednesday through Friday following a three-week absence due to a knee scope. While Pittsburgh probably would have preferred to ease Samuels back into the mix in a change-of-pace role, injuries to Conner and third-stringer Benny Snell (knee) -- who is listed as out -- should put the North Carolina State product on tap for a significant snap share in Week 9. Samuels demonstrated a high floor over his three starts in place…read more
Published: Fri, Nov 1 at 11:17am by Rotowire.com
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Good to go this week
Samuels (knee) practiced fully Wednesday.
Analysis: Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com relays that Samuels is ready to play in Sunday's game against the Colts, which is a well-timed development, given that both James Conner (shoulder) and Benny Snell (knee) sat out Wednesday's practice. Samuels, who didn't play two days earlier in the Steelers' win over Miami, has been giving a clean bill of health following his recovery from a knee scope. He could end up having a prominent role in the Steelers' Week 9 attack, especially given the current statuses of the…read more
Published: Wed, Oct 30 at 12:59pm by Rotowire.com
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Ready to return
Coach Mike Tomlin called Samuels (knee) "ready to go" for Sunday's contest against the Colts, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: After sandwiching two absences around the Steelers' Week 7 bye, Samuels is suddenly the healthiest of the team's top three running backs, with James Conner suffering an AC joint injury and Benny Snell emerging with a knee issue from Monday's win over the Dolphins. Tomlin's comments don't officially clear Samuels to return, but Wednesday's injury report could indicate he's healthy enough to suit up Week 9.
Published: Tue, Oct 29 at 9:32am by Rotowire.com
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Sitting out Monday
Samuels (knee) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Dolphins, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: With the Steelers electing to hold Samuels out for another game even though he practiced fully this past week, Benny Snell will continue to serve as James Conner's top backup Monday night.
Published: Mon, Oct 28 at 3:47pm by Rotowire.com
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Listed as questionable
The Steelers have officially listed Samuels (knee) as questionable for Monday's game against the Dolphins, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Despite being a full participant at practice all week, the Steelers have opted to err on the side of caution with Samuels' injury designation. He was originally expected to be sidelined until November after undergoing a scope on his right knee earlier this month, but all signs have pointed toward him playing against the Dolphins in some capacity. Final confirmation on his status will come closer to kickoff Monday night.
Published: Sat, Oct 26 at 11:18am by Rotowire.com
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Upgrades to full practice
Samuels (knee) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: When Samuels underwent a scope on his right knee earlier this month, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he would be sidelined until November. The running back has changed that narrative coming off a Week 7 bye, however, as coach Mike Tomlin indicated that Samuels' ability to take all the reps during Thursday's session now likely sets him up to play Monday against the Dolphins "at least in a partial capacity," per Varley. James Conner (quadriceps) is also healthy again and is expected to…read more
Published: Thu, Oct 24 at 2:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Closing in on full health
Samuels (knee) isn't setting a specific target date for his return, but he believes he's close to 100 percent healthy, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Samuels hasn't been ruled out for Monday's game against Miami, and the report suggests he'll have a good shot at playing Week 9 if he doesn't make it back to face the Dolphins. Samuels had a knee scope Oct. 8, with the recovery/rehab timeline estimated at one month. Once healthy, he should step back in as the No. 2 running back behind James Conner, who reportedly is making good progress in his recovery from a minor quad injury.
Published: Wed, Oct 23 at 8:56am by Rotowire.com
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Practicing in partial capacity
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Samuels (knee) has resumed practicing "partially," Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Analysis: Tomlin didn't definitively say that Samuels would sit out the Steelers' next game Monday versus the Dolphins, but that seems likely after prior reports suggested the running back would be sidelined for around a month after requiring a left knee scope Oct. 8. The fact that Samuels has been able to resume some on-field activity is encouraging, however, and bodes well for his chances of avoiding a move to injured reserve.
Published: Tue, Oct 22 at 9:14am by Rotowire.com
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Out for month after knee scope
Coach Mike Tomlin said Samuels suffered a left knee injury in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Ravens, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports. Samuels had a knee scope and is expected to be sidelined at least one month.
Analysis: Samuels was spotted moving about with the assistance of crutches Tuesday and will presumably be unable to even practice in any capacity until after the Steelers' bye in Week 7. While the 23-year-old is sidelined, rookie Benny Snell will step into the No. 2 role in the backfield behind starter James Conner. There's also a decent likelihood that Conner takes on increased reps as well after Samuels played at least 25 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the Steelers' first five contests.
Published: Tue, Oct 8 at 9:17am by Rotowire.com
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Trickery backfires in loss
Samuels rushed three times for two yards and caught three of four targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 26-23 overtime loss to the Ravens. He also completed one of two passes for four yards and an interception.
Analysis: The trick plays on offense that led the Steelers to their first win in Week 4 contributed to their demise in Week 5. On the three plays in which Samuels took the direct snap he ran for a five-yard loss, threw an interception and completed a pass to Diontae Johnson that lost eight yards. The latter was salvaged only when Johnson lateraled to Johnny Holton, who advanced the ball 12 yards. The Steelers may want to deploy a more traditional game plan when they face the Chargers in Week 6, but they…read more
Published: Sun, Oct 6 at 10:17pm by Rotowire.com
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Does a little of everything in win
Samuels rushed for 26 yards and one touchdown on 10 carries, adding eight catches for 57 yards on eight targets in Monday night's 27-3 win over Cincinnati.
Analysis: Pittsburgh resorted to some trickery to earn their first win of the season, with Samuels lining up as the quarterback in wildcat formations multiple times. Taking the direct snap, he hit pay dirt from two yards out and completed all three of his pass attempts for another 31 yards. Samuels had no touches Week 3, so many fantasy owners probably held him out of their lineups, but if this is how the Steelers plan to use him moving forward, his value increases significantly, especially in deep…read more
Published: Mon, Sep 30 at 9:25pm by Rotowire.com
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Not part of game plan
Samuels had no touches in Sunday's 24-20 loss to San Francisco.
Analysis: Earlier in the week there was talk that Samuels might see an increased workload due to James Conner dealing with a knee injury, but that was not the case. With the offense struggling Samuels is little more than a roster stash in deep leagues heading into Pittsburgh's Week 4 game against Cincinnati.
Published: Sun, Sep 22 at 10:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Bigger role could be on tap
Samuels rushed three times for 18 yards and caught his lone target for 13 more in Sunday's 28-26 loss to the Seahawks.
Analysis: Samuels' stat line was nothing special, but the bigger news here was that starting running back James Conner exited in the second half with a knee injury. While the extent of Conner's injury is not yet known, Samuels and rookie fourth-rounder Benny Snell would be in line for increased roles should Conner need to miss any time moving forward. Samuels started three games in Conner's absence last season, including a 142-yard rushing performance against the Patriots.
Published: Sun, Sep 15 at 1:44pm by Rotowire.com
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Held to six yards from scrimmage
Samuels ran twice for four yards and caught one of two targets for two yards in Pittsburgh's 33-3 loss to New England on Sunday.
Analysis: Both carries came in the first quarter, and an early 20-0 deficit all but eliminated Pittsburgh's running game in the second half. As a result, the Steelers managed just 32 rushing yards and may find it equally difficult to run in Week 2 against a Seahawks defense that allowed just 34 rushing yards in a Week 1 win over the Bengals.
Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 11:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Scores in win
Samuels ran four times for 26 yards and one touchdown in the Steelers' 17-7 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.
Analysis: Samuels is off to a nice start after two preseason games, showing he can make big plays. Six of his seven touches (six carries and one reception) have been for eight or more yards, including his 14-yard touchdown run to give Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead. Samuels is an attractive handcuff to James Conner and is expected to see a significant boost in playing time after being on the field for just over 20 percent of all offensive snaps in his rookie season.
Published: Sun, Aug 18 at 12:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Big run sets up score
Samuels ran twice for 21 yards and caught his lone target for nine yards in Pittsburgh's 30-28 preseason win against Tampa Bay on Friday.
Analysis: After a one-yard loss on Pittsburgh's first offensive snap, Samuels didn't have another carry until just before halftime, which he took for 22 yards to set up the team's first touchdown one play later. Samuels had just one carry of 20-plus yards in his rookie season, but has the athleticism to make big plays in what is expected to be an expanded role this season.
Published: Sat, Aug 10 at 1:04pm by Rotowire.com
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Likely to see enhanced role
Samuels' role in the Pittsburgh offense is expected to expand in his second season, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: James Conner remains the Steelers' lead back and rookie Benny Snell adds depth and power to the team's backfield mix, but Kaboly notes that Samuels profiles as a "jack-of-all-trades offensive weapon that can line up just about everywhere." That's the sort of job description that may not always bring steady volume, but Samuels' versatility -- especially with regard to his pass-catching skills -- could translate into a role large enough for him to easily exceed his current ADP.
Published: Wed, Aug 7 at 12:46pm by Rotowire.com
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Eyeing role in two-back formations
Samuels expects the Steelers to use formations that put him and James Conner on the field at the same time, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The double-halfback formation is a common offseason storyline, but one that rarely comes to fruition as anything more than an occasional trick setup during the regular season. Usage of the two halfbacks would make more sense for the Steelers than most teams given the involvement of Samuels, who often lined up as an H-back or tight end at North Carolina State. There's also the matter of Pittsburgh losing Antonio Brown and Jesse James, leaving the team with shaky depth at wide receiver and tight…read more
Published: Wed, Jul 10 at 8:32am by Rotowire.com
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Ready for more snaps
Backfield mate James Conner expects Samuels to "make a lot of plays" this season, Jonathan Bombulie of The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: Conner made his comment during a larger conversation about the Steelers potentially dividing snaps between multiple running backs. The third-year pro essentially served as a three-down workhorse in 11 of his 13 games last season, with his snap share falling below 72 percent just twice. One of those instances came in Week 17 when the Steelers used Samuels and Conner in an even timeshare during the latter's first game back from a knee injury. While the injury probably had something to do with…read more
Published: Thu, Jun 13 at 8:06am by Rotowire.com
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Locked into Bell-free backfield
Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert mentioned Samuels as a factor in why the team is comfortable letting Le'Veon Bell leave in free agency this offseason, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: James Conner is also a big part of the equation, not to mention the financial aspect and Bell's fractured relationship with the team. There was never a realistic scenario for Bell to rejoin the Steelers after sitting out an entire season, especially after the team saw what Conner and Samuels are capable of doing in heightened roles. Conner should enter training camp unchallenged as a starter, while Samuels made a strong case to log most of the action on passing downs after hauling in 26 of 29…read more
Published: Wed, Feb 20 at 11:58am by Rotowire.com
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Cedes carries to returning teammate
Samuels ran twice for two yards and caught seven of eight targets for 40 yards during Sunday's 16-13 win over Cincinnati.
Analysis: Pittsburgh struggled on offense the first half, managing just 27 yards on the ground, and it was no surprise that Samuels was used more as a receiving back than a rusher with the return of James Conner (ankle) after a three-game absence. Samuels finishes his rookie season with 56 carries for 256 yards (4.6 average) and 26 catches (on 29 targets) for 199 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. He has three years remaining on his current contract -- and with Le'Veon Bell (holdout) likely to be…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 30 at 6:22pm by Rotowire.com
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Delivering in fantasy playoffs
Samuels ran for 53 yards on 12 attempts, adding three receptions for 11 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 31-28 loss to New Orleans.
Analysis: His eligibility as a tight end on some outlets will be surely discussed for generations, but Samuels' production over the past three weeks has resembled that of a low-end RB1 -- 109.3 total yards per game, with 12 receptions and one touchdown during that span. If James Conner (ankle) is ruled out for a fourth consecutive contest in Week 17, Samuels will likely garner double-digit carries once again, while providing the benefit of a high pass-catching floor in PPR and standard formats alike.…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 8:09pm by Rotowire.com
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Filling in for Conner again
Samuels is slated to head the Pittsburgh backfield Sunday against the Saints with James Conner (ankle) sidelined for a third straight game, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Samuels, who racked up 172 total yards against the Patriots last weekend, is expected to dominate the backfield snaps, leaving Stevan Ridley to handle only a light complementary role. The rookie will take aim at a Saints run defense that has allowed a league-low average of 79.1 rushing yards per game. Still, with double-digit carries and involvement in the passing game presumably on tap, Samuels represents a viable Week 16 fantasy lineup option.
Published: Fri, Dec 21 at 2:15pm by Rotowire.com
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Breaks out for stellar effort
Samuels rushed 19 times for 142 yards and brought in both of his targets for 30 yards in the Steelers' 17-10 win over the Patriots on Sunday.
Analysis: Frequently bottled up in Week 14 by a Raiders run defense that was among the worst in the league coming in, Samuels played like a man unleashed Sunday. The rookie frequently found expansive running lanes against an overmatched Patriots front, and he particularly enjoyed success on counter plays that frequently seemed to catch New England defenders off-balance. Samuels also appeared to run much more decisively than he had in his starting debut versus the Raiders, and his performance certainly…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 16 at 5:24pm by Rotowire.com
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Expected to start once again
Samuels is expected to retain his starting role in the Steelers' backfield with James Conner (ankle) likely unavailable Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Samuels should get the majority of the work out of the backfield, similar to Week 14 when the rookie compiled 92 total yards off of 18 touches. Stevan Ridley wound up vulturing a late red-zone touchdown in that contest, mitigating Samuels' fantasy value. With Conner expected to return to the field in Week 16, Sunday's contest against the Patriots might be one of the last opportunities for Samuels to showcase his versatile skillset this season.
Published: Sat, Dec 15 at 12:00pm by Rotowire.com
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Status in limbo with Conner questionable
Samuels' role in the Steelers offense could take a hit with James Conner (ankle) questionable for Sunday's game versus the Patriots, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: With Conner out of the lineup last Sunday in Oakland, Samuels earned the majority of the snaps (48 of 60 on offense) among active Pittsburgh running backs. Samuels also outpaced Stevan Ridley in touches (18 to five) and yards from scrimmage (92 to four), but the latter did score a touchdown. If Conner returns this weekend, all bets are off as to how much work Samuels and Ridley reasonably can expect to see. However, the above breakdown may be the reality if Conner sits out again, helping…read more
Published: Fri, Dec 14 at 1:50pm by Rotowire.com
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Mixed bag in starting opportunity
Samuels rushed 11 times for 28 yards and brought in all seven of his targets for 64 yards in the Steelers' 24-21 loss to the Raiders on Sunday.
Analysis: Samuels couldn't deliver much on the ground, but he did offer a decent James Conner (knee) impression through the air. The rookie seemed to lack explosiveness on many of his runs, though he also appeared to have precious few in terms of rushing lanes on some of his carries. Samuels could be in line for another starting opportunity in a critical Week 15 matchup versus the Patriots if Conner remains sidelined, though veteran Stevan Ridley could log more than the five carries he saw Sunday.
Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 6:19pm by Rotowire.com
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Likely to share work
Samuels, who will start Sunday's game against the Raiders, said he received more first-team work than fellow running back Stevan Ridley during the Steelers' practices this week, but only by a small margin, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The Steelers are without James Conner (ankle) for the first time all season, leaving Samuels, a rookie fifth-round pick, as the next man up on the depth chart to fill the backfield void. Though his skills as a pass catcher make him a more viable fantasy option in Week 14 than Ridley, Samuels' comments point to the Steelers making use of both players rather than just handing Samuels the lead role outright. Even so, Samuels' status as a tight end-eligible player in certain fantasy formats makes…read more
Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 12:12pm by Rotowire.com
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Expects to start, but share carries
Samuels indicated Wednesday that he would start at running back in Sunday's game against the Raiders, but added that he and Stevan Ridley are slated to split time, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Trey Edmunds isn't mentioned in that scenario, so it looks like the Steelers will rely almost entirely on Samuels and Ridley to fill in for James Conner (ankle) in Week 14. While the team's backfield duties may begin in an even rotation this weekend, if either player gets on a roll, the Steelers could ride the hot hand. In any case, Samuels gets the best opportunity of his young NFL career to put forth some meaningful fantasy production. The added snaps and touches are rendered even more…read more
Published: Wed, Dec 5 at 12:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Part of backfield committee
With James Conner (ankle) out for Sunday's game against the Raiders, Samuels will be included in the committee that coach Mike Tomlin suggested the Steelers will employ for Week 14, Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official site reports.
Analysis: Also in the mix for carries Sunday are Stevan Ridley and Trey Edmunds, to a lesser degree. Based on Tomlin's comments, he isn't clarifying whether Samuels or Ridley will see more carries this weekend, though Samuels is probably the upside play, given his recent trajectory. "We have a great deal of confidence in Ridley," Tomlin noted Tuesday. "We have a great deal of confidence in (Samuels), particularly of late with Jaylen. He's a guy who has been on the rise in recent weeks, and we've talked…read more
Published: Tue, Dec 4 at 2:25pm by Rotowire.com
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In line for added work Sunday
With James Conner (ankle) out this week, Samuels is in line for added work Sunday against the Raiders, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
Analysis: Stevan Ridley is also a candidate to see added carries in Week 14, with Trey Edmunds on hand to provide depth, but those scrambling to replace Conner would do well to look into acquiring Samuels to see how this situation unfolds.
Published: Tue, Dec 4 at 9:23am by Rotowire.com
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Scores after teammate injured
Samuels ran twice for five yards and caught all three of his targets for 20 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Chargers.
Analysis: The rookie replaced James Conner (leg) and caught a 10-yard touchdown pass with 4:10 remaining that tied the game at 30. Samuels could be in line for a heavy workload if Conner is unable to play in Week 14, when Pittsburgh faces an Oakland team ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (153.3) and 29th in yards allowed per carry (5.0).
Published: Sun, Dec 2 at 10:06pm by Rotowire.com
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No factor in loss
Samuels caught one of two targets for 12 yards during Sunday's 24-17 loss to Denver.
Analysis: The rookie running back was targeted on consecutive plays on Pittsburgh's first offensive possession -- including an incompletion thrown by Antonio Brown on a failed gadget play -- but didn't get another look all game. Samuels now has more receiving yards (34) than rushing yards (26) on the season and serves only as a fantasy handcuff to James Conner heading into Week 13 against the Chargers.
Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 10:05pm by Rotowire.com
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Scores first career touchdown
Samuels carried five times for seven yards and caught three of four targets for 22 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 52-21 win over Carolina.
Analysis: The rookie benefited from Pittsburgh taking a big lead early in the game, matching his total carries on the season. He also caught his first passes and scored his first professional touchdown to cap the scoring for the Steelers. James Conner was removed from the game in the fourth quarter and was being evaluated for a concussion, so there is a chance that Samuels could see a bump in playing time when the Steelers play the Jaguars in Week 11.
Published: Thu, Nov 8 at 11:23pm by Rotowire.com
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Up Next- Jaylen Samuels turns screen into slippery 27-yard pickupSun, Dec 22 at 11:19am
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels turns a screen into a 27-yard gain.
- Marcus Maye looks like WR for toe-tapping end-zone INTSun, Dec 22 at 10:52am
New York Jets safety Marcus Maye intercepts a pass from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges.
- Top Fantasy Waiver Wire picks | WK12Mon, Nov 18 at 7:08pm
Looking to stream a tight end or boost your flex position? See who's still available for pickup in most NFL.com fantasy leagues.
- Samuels takes backfield pass for his first TD reception of the yearThu, Nov 14 at 7:56pm
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels takes backfield pass for his first TD reception of the year.
- Colts' D comes up HUGE with fumble recoverySun, Nov 3 at 12:28pm
Indianapolis Colts' defense comes up HUGE with fumble recovery.
- Jaylen Samuels throws INT on direct-snap Wildcat throwSun, Oct 6 at 12:43pm
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Josh Bynes intercepts the pass by Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels.
- Conner shrugs off slew of would-be tacklers for physical 21-yard runMon, Sep 30 at 7:09pm
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner shrugs off slew of would-be tacklers for physical 21-yard run.
- Wildcat TD! Samuels' fake jet pass to Conner turns into walk-in scoreMon, Sep 30 at 7:08pm
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels' fake jet pass to James Conner turns into walk-in score.
- James Conner turns Steelers' Wildcat jet pass into a first downMon, Sep 30 at 6:06pm
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels delivers a Wildcat jet pass to RB James Conner for a first down.
- Fantasy waiver wire targets for Week 3Mon, Sep 16 at 4:58pm
With several rookies in the top 5, see which NFL fantasy players you need to pick up on waivers for Week 3 of the 2019 NFL season.