JuJu Smith-Schuster Returns For The Playoffs After 14 Weeks

JuJu Smith-Schuster

Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will play in Pittsburgh’s wild-card game opposite the Chiefs on Sunday, in what may be Ben Roethlisberger’s final playoff run, the team confirmed.

JuJu Smith-Schuster of the Pittsburgh Steelers was reinstated off injured reserve on Saturday after sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury against the Broncos in Week 5.

JuJu Smith-Schuster Taken Off Reserve

JuJu Smith-Schuster is set to play in the wild-card game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night.

Running back Najee Harris, who had been classified as doubtful, has also been removed off the Steelers’ injury report and is expected to play on Sunday.

JuJu Smith-Schuster returned to practice on Thursday after the Steelers brought him from their injured reserve list. Pittsburgh has 21 days to activate Schuster to the active roster, with Mike Tomlin, coach, earlier indicating that Thursday marked a “start” to the Steelers star wideout’s comeback.

In mid-October, the 24-year-old was placed on the injured reserve list by the Steelers. Following a collision with a Broncos defensive back, he suffered a shoulder injury. JuJu Smith-Schuster had shoulder surgery following the incident and has been out for 14 weeks. He was designated to return off IR on Thursday and practiced with the club on Thursday and Friday.

Smith-Schuster, who is headed to become a free agent at the end of the season, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in free agency, but an early injury restricted his role this season. He has only 15 catches for 129 yards in five games. Ray-Ray McCloud has filled Smith-job Schuster’s as a slot receiver, catching 39 passes for 277 yards.

Last summer, JuJu Smith-Schuster signed a one-year, $8 million contract extension with the Steelers.