Injury ends season for Smith-schuster
PITTSBURGH – Juju Smith-schuster’s combination of tenacity and almost theatrical joy endeared the wide receiver to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ coaching staff since the moment he arrived in 2017 as the youngest player in the NFL.
Now, the Steelers must find a way to replace both. Smith-schuster’s season is over.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the 24-year-old wideout is facing surgery on Wednesday and a trip to injured reserve after severely injuring his right shoulder in last week’s 27-19 win over Denver.
Smith-schuster received the ball from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on an end-around in the second quarter and lowered his shoulder while preparing for a collision with safety Kareem Jackson. The play was typical of Smithschuster’s relentlessly physical approach to his position. He slouched to the turf, however, after the 3-yard gain, and needed to be helped off the field before heading to the hospital for further evaluation.
Smith-schuster felt well enough on Monday night to host an event organized by his eponymous foundation with his right arm in a sling. While he’s expected to make a full recovery, it won’t be in time to help the Steelers (2-3) as they try to climb out of an early-season hole.
The loss is a setback for both Pittsburgh and Smith-schuster, who opted to return to the Steelers on a one-year deal last spring rather than leave in free agency.
Smith-schuster’s numbers this season were modest – 15 receptions for 129 yards – even as he continued to burnish his reputation as one of the league’s toughest receivers for his willingness to go over the middle, particularly on third downs.
Tomlin acknowledged his “heart aches” for Smith-schuster. He said the team will rely on several players to provide the myriad contributions in the run and pass games that Smith-schuster provided.
“We’re not trying to replace Juju,” Tomlin said. “We’re just trying to provide additional opportunity for those that get expanded roles.”
That list will likely include James Washington, Cody White and Ray-ray Mcloud. Washington missed the win over Denver with a hamstring injury but is by far the most experienced of the group. He also is at an interesting point in his career
A second-round draft pick in 2018, Washington has shown flashes but has also struggled to find consistent playing time. He reportedly asked for a trade during training camp – something Tomlin declined to acknowledge Tuesday – and now finds a chance to prove himself with his own trip to the free-agent market looming next March.
While Tomlin said he hasn’t spoken to Washington about what potentially lies ahead starting this Sunday night against Seattle (2-3), he stressed the team has no concerns about Washington’s attitude.
“James is a professional and a quality dude and teammate,” Tomlin said.