James Conner Injury: Updates on Pitt RB's Knee and Recovery

Pittsburgh running back James Conner will miss the remainder of the 2015 season after suffering an MCL injury in Saturday's 45-37 win over Youngstown State.

Continue for updates.

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Conner's Heisman Dreams Dashed with Knee Injury

Monday, Sept. 7

ESPN's Brett McMurphy reported Conner will have surgery this week. He posted 77 yards and two touchdowns on only eight carries before exiting the game in the second quarter. While the injury was initially categorized as minor, further testing revealed Conner had torn his MCL.

"I greatly appreciate everyone's support and well wishes," Conner said in a statement released by the school. "This is a temporary setback and I'm going to work even harder to bounce back. Even though I won't be able to play this season, I'm going to be right beside my teammates and help them every way I can to have a great season."

Chris Peak of Panther-Lair.com also shared a statement from Conner's family:

Conner, a junior, came into 2015 as one of the preseason favorites for the Heisman Trophy. He rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, emerging as one of the most formidable threats in the country. A bruising back with a throwback style, Conner came into the season hoping to flash more of his all-around game.

"I can still make people miss," he told Adam Kramer of Bleacher Report. "And I try to make people miss first. I use my size to my advantage because I know it's not fun to tackle someone with a linebacker build."

McMurphy weighed in on Conner's injury, noting the rash of players who saw their seasons end in Week 1:

The injury will end Conner's Heisman chase and possibly keep him in school for another year. He entered the season with a clear path toward being one of the first running backs taken in the 2016 draft. But given that position's fungibility and Conner's specific skill set, this red flag would be a major step backward.

Sophomore Chris James will likely take over at running back for the Panthers.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.