Steelers WR Smith-Schuster will miss game after setback


Reuters | California | Updated: 14-12-2019 07:02 IST | Created: 14-12-2019 06:46 IST
Steelers WR Smith-Schuster will miss game after setback
Image Credit: pixabay
  • Country:
  • United States

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will have to wait another week to return to the field. The Steelers ruled him out Friday after he aggravated his knee injury at practice a day earlier.

"It wasn't a setback," Smith-Schuster reportedly told the media about the incident Thursday. "You know, just more so like I pushed myself too hard where I gotta slow myself down. I'm so competitive, just to get out there and be great. I gotta take it slow." Smith-Schuster practiced in full Wednesday and looked on track to play until Thursday's incident. He was listed as a limited participant Thursday and did not practice at all Friday.

The Steelers (8-5) host the Bills (9-4) on Sunday night, seeking their fourth straight win and they are eighth in nine games as they look to maintain hold of a wild-card spot in the AFC. Smith-Schuster has been out since suffering a concussion and knee injury in Week 11.

Without Smith-Schuster, the Steelers are likely to start Diontae Johnson and James Washington at the wide receiver spots. Smith-Schuster has 38 catches for 524 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games this season. Those totals are significantly less than those of 2018 when he recorded 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven scores en route to a Pro Bowl selection.

There could still be a boost to the offense coming if running back James Conner is able to play. Conner practiced in full all week and was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. He has missed three games with a shoulder injury.

"I just want to be out there competing," Conner said. "These games are crucial. They are critical for us in the position we are in. We are just trying to control our own destiny." Conner has rushed for 390 yards and four touchdowns on 102 carries in eight games. He also has 30 receptions for 242 yards and two scores. A year ago, he totaled 1,470 yards and 13 touchdowns while earning a Pro Bowl appearance.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Give Feedback