JuJu makes surprise return
The Steelers received an unexpected boost Saturday when they activated JuJu SmithSchuster off injured reserve ahead of their playoff game Sunday against the Chiefs. He hasn’t played since injuring his right shoulder in a victory over the Broncos on Oct. 10. He underwent surgery a few days later and was expected to be lost for the season.
Instead, Smith-Schuster returned to practice this week, wearing thicker shoulder pads in an effort to protect the shoulder. His teammates raved about his conditioning, and his presence gives the seventh-seeded Steelers much-needed sure hands and — potentially — a physical blocker in the running game as they try to upset the second-seeded Chiefs.
Smith-Schuster has 15 receptions for 128 yards this season, becoming a de facto running back of sorts as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s preferred target in an offense heavily reliant on short passes.
To make room on the roster, the Steelers released punter Corliss Waitman, meaning rookie Pressley Harvin III will handle the punting duties at Arrowhead Stadium.
Bucs RB Fournette out vs. Eagles
Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette reportedly will not be activated off injured reserve for the team’s playoff game Sunday against the Eagles. Coach Bruce Arians had said Friday that Fournette would be a game-time decision.
Running back Giovani Bernard will be activated. He largely has served as the Bucs’ third-down back this season, catching 23 passes for 123 yards and three touchdowns. He also had eight carries for 58 yards.
Ronald Jones won’t play because of an ankle injury. Running backs Ke’Shawn Vaughn, a former Illini, and Le’Veon Bell will be active. The Bucs also elevated running back Kenjon Barner, a former Eagle, from the practice squad.
Unretired Weddle looms large for Rams
The Rams must play without both of their starting safeties in their playoff game Monday night against the Cardinals. Leading tackler Jordan Fuller is out for the season with a right ankle injury, and Taylor Rapp is in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
That means Eric Weddle, 37, is likely to play meaningful snaps nearly two years after he retired to life as a suburban dad. It’s a remarkable turn of events for a two-time AllPro safety who voluntarily left the NFL with a year remaining on his contract.
Weddle hadn’t even thought about returning to the Rams — the team with which he spent the last of his 13 NFL seasons in 2019 — until he got desperate calls last Sunday night after Fuller and Rapp got hurt.
Vikings begin search for coach
The Vikings have begun their search for a new coach by seeking interviews with an initial slate of seven candidates, including Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
According to the Associated Press, the Vikings also asked to interview Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
With the rival Packers on a first-round bye for the playoffs, Hackett completed an interview Saturday with the Broncos.
Texans interview ex-Steelers WR Ward
The Texans continued their search for a new coach, announcing that they completed interviews with Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward. Ward now works as the special assistant to the head coach at Florida Atlantic University. The Texans interviewed former Dolphins coach Brian Flores on Friday.