Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster out for four months after shoulder surgery
The Pittsburgh Steelers are struggling to find their footing through the first five weeks of the 2021 season.
The uphill battle just became a bit more challenging as former Pro Bowl wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster suffered a shoulder injury that will require season-ending surgery, according to ESPN.
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster dislocated a shoulder on Sunday and is undergoing surgery later this week that is expected to sideline him about four months, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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The injury occurred after Smith-Schuster took a low-sweeping hit to his right shoulder that caused it to become dislocated. He required help to exit the field then headed to the locker room after being checked on the sideline.
Smith-Schuster inked a one-year deal to return to the Steelers. The injury could cost him a lucrative contract next offseason. The WR took a less significant contract to return to Pittsburgh. He struggled to produce this season as he finishes with 15 receptions for 129 receiving yards. As well as that he’s only averaging 8.6 yards per catch.
Since his breakout 2018 campaign, where he had 111 receptions for 1,426 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, he’s struggled to match those numbers. In the last three seasons, his health has become a lingering issue.
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He bounced back last year, recording 97 catches for 831 receiving yards and a career-high nine touchdowns. However, he hasn’t been a big-play factor in the Steelers’ passing game. Many of his catches came in short to intermediate situations.
Pittsburgh will look to depend more greatly on Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool to lead the passing game as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s primary targets. With Big Ben’s longevity under question, it’s another problem for Pittsburgh to overcome.
