It sounds like the Steelers will need to get it done without JuJu Smith-Schuster again.
Per Adam Schefter, Smith-Schuster is "not expected" to suit up for the Steelers' Sunday night showdown vs. the Bills at Heinz Field. As our Dale Lolley reported, Smith-Schuster left practice early on Thursday after practicing in full the day before. While that was initially thought to be a precaution, Schefter reports it was the result of Smith-Schuster aggravating the knee injury that has kept him out since the team's Week 11 loss against the Browns.
Steelers’ WR JuJu Smith-Schuster now Is not expected to play Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills after he aggravated his knee injury during practice on Thursday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 13, 2019
The team is 3-0 since that loss to the Browns, defeating the Bengals, Browns and Cardinals. In Smith-Schuster's absence, second-year receiver James Washington posted his best game of the season — four catches, 111 yards and a touchdown against the Browns in Week 13 — while rookie receiver Diontae Johnson enjoyed his best game as a pro in the team's most recent victory, over the Cardinals. In that one, Johnson hauled in six passes for 60 yards and a score and returned a punt 85 yards for another touchdown, earning him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Smith-Schuster's absence also has led to opportunities for Deon Cain and Tevin Jones in the passing game, but all those positives aside, the fact remains: The Steelers want and need Smith-Schuster back on the field.
“Leadership, right off the bat,” Randy Fichtner said of what Smith-Schuster brings to the team. “He’s a physical player. You start to get to this time of year, physical play is necessary.”
“It [Smith-Schuster's return] will balance things out for sure because they can’t just double one person,” Washington added. “Some teams still might. As far as playing us true, I feel like more teams will have to play us true.”
For now, it looks like the Steelers will need to wait another week to enjoy those benefits from their No. 1 receiver.
I'll be onsite at the Rooney Complex Friday for the Steelers practice and will have the final injury report, including the official word on Smith-Schuster's status, from there.
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