James Conner is making it easier for the Steelers to play hardball with Le’Veon Bell

Conner’s play through the first two weeks of the season is nothing short of spectacular.

Rookie running back James Conner has had a rockstar start to his NFL career. After rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns in his career debut, Conner almost pulled in an Odell Beckham-like catch down the left sideline for a big gain. Almost.

Conner wasn’t able to get his second foot down, but it was still an incredible effort the catch. He made up for it with a two-point conversion later in the drive to tie the game at 21.

Last week in a 21-21 tie with the Browns, Conner caught five of six passes for a total of 57 receiving yards. Through the first half of this week’s game against the Chiefs, he already has three catches for 25 yards. Not too bad for the second-year running back.

Conner scored a touchdown in the third quarter to tie the game at 28 in a shootout with the Chiefs.

If Conner can keep up this level of play, the Steelers will likely keep playing hardball with Le’Veon Bell as he continues his holdout.