Pitt RB James Conner practices one day after cancer treatment

Running back James Conner opened spring practice with Pitt on Tuesday, just one day after completing his eighth of 12 scheduled chemotherapy treatments for Hodgkins lymphoma.

Conner, who has remained active since his treatments began in December, participated in warmups and handoff drills.

Conner was diagnosed with the disease toward the end of last season. He has been receiving treatments at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the school’s athletic department has helped pay for Conner’s medical care.

This isn’t the first time Conner’s been working out with teammates. In February, coach Pat Narduzzi posted a video of Conner participating in winter conditioning.

Both oncologist Dr. Stanley Marks and Narduzzi have said they expect Conner to play in 2016.

Conner was an All-American and ACC Player of the Year in 2014 after rushing for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns, but missed most of 2015 after suffering an MCL tear to his right knee during the season opener against Youngstown State.

Conner received a medical redshirt for the 2015 season.

For more Pittsburgh news, visit Panther-lair.com.

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