Jaylen Samuels Wins Rookie of the Week Honors, Set to Start vs. Saints

Former NC State H-Back Jaylen Samuels had a monster performance last week for the Steelers vs. the Patriots, rumbling for 142 yards on 19 carries, and grabbing 2 receptions for 30 yards.

The 142 yards rushing is the 3rd most by a former NC State player as a running back in the NFL.

Samuels was rewarded for his efforts with NFL Rookie of the Week honors.

Congratulations @JaySam1k! #ROTW pic.twitter.com/Enkbzbg1Ud

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2018

He is the first Steeler to earn Rookie of the Week honors since Le’Veon Bell did for Week 16 of the 2013 season.

James Conner once again will be unable to play today, which means Jay Sam’s number is being called once again to start for Pittsburgh.

Here’s what Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator Randy Fitcher has to say about Samuels.

“You’re concerned all the time because you don’t know, but I don’t think we’re scared of the unknown,” Steelers Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner said. “He’s here for a reason. About a month ago I said he was one of those guys on tape who scored touchdowns in college. He’s just that kind of guy. He makes plays, and he didn’t let us down last week. He caught the ball when we needed him to catch it, moved the chains when we needed him to move the chains and protected the ball.” (Link)

Today will be Samuel’s 3rd start of the year. In his first two starts he has rushed for 170 yards on 30 carries, and 9 receptions for 94 yards.