A one-game suspension won’t change the way Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster plays the game. That’s according to Smith-Schuster himself, who told reporters Wednesday that he’ll continue to play the game with the same intensity and physicality regardless of the penalty he just got docked with.

By way of Chris Adamski of Trib Live:

“Oh, I am still playing physical,” he said. “That's going to be a part of my game. That's who I have always been since I was a kid.

“I am still going to make those blocks, you know? Yes, I am going you be more careful; I'm going to aim for the shoulder and lower, just to be more protective of the game.”

JuJu Smith-Schuster sat out last Sunday’s 39-38 triumph over the Baltimore Ravens at home to serve a suspension in relation to a block he administered on Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who sustained a concussion off of that hit from the rookie receiver.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
49ers’ George Kittle’s bittersweet Deebo Samuel message after Commanders tradeAbdullah Imran ·
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29) walks around during Mandatory Minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Giants Training Center
Giants’ Tyrone Tracy Jr. gives eye-opening update on NY’s QB battleAbdullah Imran ·
Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during training camp at the River Ridge Fields.
Cowboys 2nd rounder in danger of bumping down depth chartAbdullah Imran ·
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) passes the ball during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
Saints’ guard gives Tyler Shough reality check despite draft positionBenedetto Vitale ·
Dec 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) attempts a pass as guard Quinn Meinerz (77) defends against Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Taven Bryan (96) and center Luke Wattenberg (60) defends against defensive tackle Raekwon Davis (98) in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Broncos unit earns massive endorsement ahead of Bo Nix’s sophomore seasonMike Gianakos ·
Tom Brady walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Tom Brady delegating, downplaying role with Las VegasJake Faigus ·

The 21-year-old wideout out of USC is set to return to the field this Sunday against the New England Patriots, a marquee matchup that could have serious implications for positioning in the playoffs.

The Steelers currently lead the AFC with an 11-2 record, but a defeat to the Pats would mean that they’ll also lose the home field advantage to New England.

Smith-Schuster is second among all Steelers in receiving yards (585) and receiving touchdowns (5).

His return is a huge deal, as the playoffs are looming and now every game is of huge importance for the Steelers.