Why isn't Smith-Schuster playing for the Chiefs against the Buccaneers? When will he return?

Pro Bowl wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has reunited with the Kansas City Chiefs, adding another key target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes this season.

Smith-Schuster, who previously played with Kansas City, said the call from head coach Andy Reid was the major factor factor in his return. In his Chiefs comeback season, the 8-year veteran has had 9 catches for 147 yards and has scored 1 touchdown in 6 games this season.

The lingering hamstring injury since the 49ers game

JuJu Smith-Schuster has officially been ruled out for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to an ongoing hamstring injury. After aggravating this injury during the game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, Smith-Schuster quickly found himself sidelined in the following week’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

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Throughout the week leading up to the Buccaneers game, Smith-Schuster did not participate in any practice sessions. He started Week 9 with a (DNP) status and continued to miss practices on both Friday and Saturday. As a result, the coaching and medical staff have confirmed his absence from the game.

Hamstring injuries can often be tricky and may require a considerable recovery time, so there’s a possibility that Smith-Schuster could miss additional games beyond just this one. However, there is a silver lining: the Kansas City Chiefs have yet to place him on injured reserve.

This suggests optimism regarding his recovery and indicates that he might be able to return for the team’s remaining regular season games.