Pittsburgh running back James Conner participated in the first day of spring practice Tuesday, 24 hours after completing his eighth treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conner was limited during the practice and will not be allowed full contact during the spring. But being out there was a huge step toward his goal of playing again in 2016.

RB James Conner, who's in the middle of treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma, participated in the first day of Pitt's spring practice Tuesday. Pete Madia/Pitt Athletics

In December, Conner was diagnosed with cancer. He has four chemotherapy treatments left to treat the disease.

The 2014 ACC Player of the Year missed last season with a knee injury before the cancer diagnosis.

Coach Pat Narduzzi said Tuesday, "It's an inspiration for me. He comes in and slaps me on the back and comes through the door this morning fired up that he's back, and he's got a helmet on. He walked across the parking lot with a helmet on. You tell me, if you ask our kids what it means for him to be here."