Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster, James Conner Leave With Injuries in Loss to Browns

Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and RB James Conner both left their game against the Browns with injuries.

Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

A tough season for Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster got even tougher Thursday night as the Pittsburgh wideout suffered a head injury early in the second quarter of the team's matchup with the Browns. Smith-Schuster was ruled out for the remainder for the game with a concussion.

But the injuries to key playmakers don't end there. After missing two games with a sprained AC joint, running back James Conner left Thursday's game with a shoulder injury and was ruled out as well.

The Browns defeated the Steelers, 21-7.

Smith-Schuster suffered the injury with just over nine minutes to play in the second quarter when he collided with two Browns defensive players over the middle. He entered the season as Pittsburgh's No. 1 pass-catching option following Antonio Brown's departure, but he has struggled at times to produce. Heading into Thursday night's game, he had only 36 catches for 503 yards and three touchdowns.

After making his first Pro Bowl last season, Conner has struggled at times this year with injuries. FOX Sports sideline reporter Kristina Pink said on the game broadcast that Conner said he was not 100% healthy before kickoff.

The Steelers are now left thin at running back with Conner out, turning to Jaylen Samuels as the No. 1 option. 

Later in the game, Pittsburgh wideout Diontae Johnson took a vicious hit from Browns safety Damarious Randall midway through the third quarter and is currently being evaluated for a concussion.