JuJu Smith Schuster is injured in the shoulder during an end-around play in quarter two and leaves the Steelers' game against the Broncos. (0:17).
PITTSBURGH -- For the remainder of the season, the Steelers won't have one of their most reliable receivers.
JuJu Smith Schuster, wide receiver, dislocated his shoulder on Sunday. He is scheduled to undergo surgery later in the week. This is according to a source who spoke to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It is expected that he will be sidelined for about four months.
Smith-Schuster signed a one year deal to be back with the Steelers in free-agent status. He lowered his right shoulder, took a hard hit from Kareem Jackson, Denver Broncos safety, and performed a jet sweep during the second quarter of Sunday’s 27-19 win.
The Steelers medical personnel quickly helped Smith-Schuster to get up and move off the field. He appeared to be in severe pain. Smith-Schuster quickly went to the locker room and bypassed the blue injury tent after a quick check of his shoulder from the sideline. Coach Mike Tomlin stated that Smith-Schuster went to the hospital after the game for further evaluation.
Wide receiver Diontae Johns said Monday that it was difficult to see him in such pain. "Just got to be there for him off-field and rally around him.
Smith-Schuster is fourth in team targets and receptions, behind Chase Claypool, Johnson and Najee Harris. Smith-Schuster is a solid third-down player for Ben Roethlisberger throughout his career. He has a reputation as a tough, gritty player.
Smith-Schuster is 24, and has 323 receptions, 3,855 yards, and 26 touchdowns over 63 games. Smith-Schuster's 2020 season saw him play nine touchdowns and have one rushing score. Smith-Schuster's shoulder injury was his second in-game injury this season. He sustained a rib injury against the Las Vegas Raiders that left him limited, but it didn't prevent him from playing.
Smith-Schuster's departure is a blow to a receivers room with a large roster that hasn’t had a full complement since Pittsburgh’s Week 1 win over the Buffalo Bills. Ray-Ray McCloud was the only exception to this rule.
The Steelers had James Washington, a receiver who was inactive because of a groin injury, down even before Smith-Schuster's injury. Cody White was already signed by the Steelers as a practice squad receiver. They chose to sign him to the 53 man roster before Sunday's game, rather than temporarily elevating him onto the active roster.
Johnson stated that injuries are inevitable. Johnson said, "Injuries are going to happen."
"We will still go out and play for JuJu. We continue to go out and do our thing on Sundays, and we are ready for this week too."
