The Steelers activate JuJu ahead of Wild Card date with Chiefs
Big Ben and co. are in for the fight of their lives, but they've got grit and now even better, they can count on their talented wide receiver.
As they head into the biggest game of their season, the Steelers can now count on a major reinforcement.
Did you know?
The Steelers activate WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
After suffering what appeared to be a season ending injury in October, Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is set to make his return against the Kansas City Chiefs in their Wild Card playoff game on Sunday. Indeed, it was against the Denver Broncos back in Week 5 when Smith-Schuster sustained a severe shoulder injury. On Saturday it was reported that the wide receiver had been activated off the injured reserve list, thereby clearing the way for him to participate in Sunday's showdown.
"God answered my prayers [and] I've recovered from my season-ending shoulder injury earlier than expected," Smith-Schuster tweeted on Saturday afternoon. "I can't believe I get another chance to take the field with this team and play in a playoff game to keep our season alive." While Smith-Schuster is now available to play, it is unlikely that he will be a main target meaning he will probably be a snap count. None the less, his presence will only further fuel a Steelers team that has a strange look of destiny about them.
What does it mean for the Steelers?
Speaking on Friday about his teammate's status, veteran QB Ben Roethlisberger couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "He had a pretty significant injury. The way JuJu plays the game is physical. We all know it. We all love it. He could boost this offense. Even if it's just a few plays, the energy, the encouragement he brings on the sideline. Anything like that, to have one of your guys out there would be huge for us."
Similar sentiments were also echoed by fellow wide recveiver Diontae Johson. "To me, it looked like he was ready," he said. "He's got to ease himself back into things, but he looked smooth today. ...Great hands, natural catcher. Big hands, strong guy. Just seeing him run around, show that he's still JuJu at the end of the day. It's exciting." Johnson went on to add, "He brings back that positive energy that he's always had, that he always brings. You want to bring back a guy like that, who's all about football, all about his teammates. Just doing everything for the team. He's a people person, too. There's never a dull moment when he's around."
What's the situation with JuJu Smith-Schuster?
It's been somewhat of a disappointing season for Smith-Schuster - through no fault of his own - due to the early injury. Currently on a one-year deal with the Steelers, the wide receiver is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Having been limited to just five games on the season Smith-Schuster registered just 15 catches for 129 yards. As Pittsburgh heads into their clash with Kansas City, one can only imagine that Smith-Schuster will be itching to add to that tally.