James Conner went through a full practice on Wednesday as the Steelers returned to the field for the first time since beating Carolina at Heinz Field last Thursday.
It was a big step for Conner, who left the game against the Panthers in the third quarter and was placed in concussion protocol.
Conner hasn't been fully cleared to return to action, but taking part in physical activity and not having a relapse of any concussion-related symptoms is one of the final steps in the process. The Steelers (6-2-1) should know by Thursday if they will have the AFC's leading rusher available to them when they travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars (3-6) on Sunday.
"When it first happened, I felt dizzy and stuff," Conner said Wednesday. "Today was a good day of practice, and I felt like me again, so I'm happy."
Conner has subbed for Le'Veon Bell this season and has become an NFL star in his own right, leading the AFC with 771 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns while also catching 39 passes for another 387 yards and a score.
With Bell choosing not to return to the team and sign his franchise tag offer by Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline, Conner now knows the job of the Steelers' lead runner is his for the remainder of this season — and possibly beyond.
But he says nothing changes for him.
"What's there to change?" he asked. "Nothing changes. We're in Week 11. I'll do the same thing I've been doing all these weeks."
That would be running through, around and over opposing defenses, something Conner has shown he's quite adept at doing.
Conner plans on continuing to do that.
"You've got to bring it every week," he said. "The past is the past. We're trying to go all the way, so I've got to keep bringing it every week."
Including this one?
That's the question that remains as he continues to work his way back onto the field. How he feels on Thursday will be a big part of that equation.
"I don't know what they need me to do, but I practiced and I feel good," Conner said.