The Pittsburgh Steelers got back into the win column Sunday with a victory over the Denver Broncos, but they received bad news Monday on wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in regards to his return timetable from his shoulder injury. Today, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that Smith-Schuster dislocated his shoulder and is ‘expected to be sidelined about four months'. This would likely end JuJu Smith-Schuster's season.
Steelers’ WR JuJu Smith-Schuster dislocated his shoulder, is undergoing surgery later this week and is expected to be sidelined about four months, which likely would end his season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 11, 2021
Smith-Schuster had just 129 receiving yards on 15 receptions in five games this season prior to the injury, posting more than 45 receiving yards just once (Week 1) this season. Smith-Schucter's overall production has declined each of the past three seasons, as he has averaged just 8.6 yards per reception since the start of 2020.
The Steelers will now lean heavier on Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool at the wide receiver position in light of the injury to Smith-Schuster. Both players have already been more effective than Smith-Schuster this season, so more targets in their direction may not be a bad thing in the long run. Smith-Schuster ranks fourth on the Steelers currently in receiving yards behind Claypool, Johnson and rookie running back Najee Harris. James Washington and Ray-Ray McCloud will presumably get more snaps at WR in the absence of Smith-Schuster. The Steelers are now 2-3 on the season going into their bye week. Pittsburgh will be on the road at the Cleveland Browns when they return from their bye in Week 7.
Smith-Schuster may have very well played his last snap in Steelers uniform, as he signed a 1-year, $8 million contract with Pittsburgh this past offseason. Coming off an injury and a couple of down years, Smith-Schuster may be faced with fewer options than expected when hitting free agency in 2022.
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