Obviously, few receivers in the game of football have the impact that Pittsburgh Steelers wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster can provide when healthy. However, fantasy owners and fans of elite play alike could be disappointed if they wanted to see Smith-Schuster suit up this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
Now, various sources including Ian Rapoport say that Smith-Schuster is likely out due to a knee injury. Apparently, Smith-Schuster aggravated the injury this week during practice while trying to prepare to play Sunday’s week 14 contest.
From @gmfb: The #Steelers will likely be without WR JuJu Smith-Schuster after @AKinkhabwala reported Thursday the star WR was not able to finish practice because his knee flared up again. pic.twitter.com/4daPiUjqAF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2019
Furthermore, here’s what Steelers’ offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said about Smith-Schuster’s status during the week of practice.
“He was wanting to get back last week,” Fichtner said. “You know, injuries. He’s got all the enthusiasm and energy and effort and want to. You know, sometimes injuries take their own time. You’ve just got to keep working through it.”
For those in their respective fantasy football playoffs, receivers Diontae Johnson and James Washington could serve as worthy replacement pivots in the Pittsburgh passing attack this week. Both played a key role in the Steelers’ offense the past two weeks without Smith-Schuster.
Thus far in 2019, Smith-Schuster has 38 catches for 524 yards and three touchdowns. All of this is after a 2018 that saw him explode on the scene with 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. Few players have the raw ability that the former USC collegiate product can produce when healthy. Hopefully he’s back in action soon, so football fans can enjoy him a little bit more in 2019.
