Yeah, in the verb form it works as what you’re implying here. As far as it validating poor schlep as a colloquially alike meaning, it’s not even close.
To be called a "poor schlep" is an expression combining Yiddish and English to describe a person who is seen as unfortunate, pitiable, clumsy, or ineffectual, often a chronic loser. I didn’t fall for your conn, he put down those Sabre folks rather clearly.