The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to host the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. Unfortunately, it appears they will be shorthanded once again without wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster reportedly aggravated his knee injury while logging in full participation in practice earlier in the week. He has since offered up some clarification on his recovery, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com:
“It wasn’t a setback,” Smith-Schuster said. “I pushed myself too hard where I gotta slow myself down. I’m so competitive — just to get out there and be great — I gotta take it slow.”
Although Smith-Schuster's comments indicate that he did not suffer any sort of setback, it was seemingly enough to ensure that he will be sidelined once again in Week 15. He has missed the last three games with the injury and was optimistic about a return versus Buffalo. It seems he is now on the cusp of missing his fourth straight.
Smith-Schuster's absence has undoubtedly left a rather notable void in the offense. While there is no question he has endured his fair share of struggles in the 2019 NFL season as the new No. 1 wide receiver in town, his presence would provide huge dividends for their current playoff push. Even with the postseason at stake, it is clear that Pittsburgh is not going to risk him further aggravating the injury.
Fortunately, the Steelers have still found a way to get the job done as they look to extend their winning streak to four. Wide receivers Diontae Johnson and James Washington will need to continue to step up in the passing game in Smith-Schuster's absence.
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