JuJu Smith-Schuster isn’t expected to play this weekend in a crucial contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
As Fowler’s tweet notes, the knee injury isn’t expected to keep him out for multiple weeks. But it’ll challenge an already struggling Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense to be without their top weapon.
The injury and concussion occurred on the same play. According to multiple reports from beat writers Wednesday, Smith-Schuster was still wearing a brace on his left knee.
Smith-Schuster is the team’s leader in receptions (38), yards (524), and tied for the lead with touchdowns (3). Numbers which are a far cry from last season. The loss of Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback roulette, and JuJu’s own issues catching the football have all contributed to the statistical regression.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also notes it would be a “mild upset” if RB James Conner or WR Diontae Johnson suit up. Conner re-injured his shoulder while Johnson suffered a concussion against the Browns.
That would leave Pittsburgh without their #1 and #2 receivers along with their starting RB, starting center, along with the host of injuries the team’s already dealt with this season.
