The Pittsburgh Steelers have worked very hard in recent weeks to extend future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger‘s career.
Their improbable postseason journey begins on Sunday night in of all places Kansas City as they face the defending AFC Champion Chiefs.
The Steelers are heavy underdogs.
However, the will to win is there along with a surprising addition to the offense.
Steelers officially activated WR JuJu Smith-Schuster from the Reserve/Injured List.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 15, 2022
JuJu Smith-Schuster was activated from injured reserve in time for the game.
Smith-Schuster’s Injury
God answered my prayers & I’ve recovered from my season-ending shoulder injury earlier than expected. 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. Steelers Nation, #HereWeGo! pic.twitter.com/SdAKl3SrYx
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) January 15, 2022
The Steelers have been without Smith-Schuster since Week 5.
He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Denver Broncos on October 10, 2021.
It required surgery and extensive rehab, and all of us assumed that Smith-Schuster would be back and better than ever in 2022.
Back in early December, Smith-Schuster talked about what he hoped for Roethlisberger down the stretch of his final season as a Steeler.
“I hope to see a lot. For me, it sucks that if this is his last season, I wasn’t about to finish out with him. I want to see him make it to the playoffs one more time. But AFC North football is really tough right now. We’re on a tight rope between Cincinnati, the Browns and Baltimore. I would love to see him get to the playoffs and rip it again.”
What Smith-Schuster Brings To The Steelers
Roethlisberger does not know exactly what Smith-Schuster can do in such a short period since his injury.
He is excited about the possibilities though.
Ben Roethlisberger on JuJu Smith-Schuster on @DVERADIO: "I don't have an answer to the possibilities .. I thought he looked awesome. Only he knows how it felt. He had a pretty significant injury. The way JuJu plays is physical. He could boost this offense, even just a few plays."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) January 14, 2022
“I don’t have an answer to the possibilities .. I thought he looked awesome. Only he knows how it felt. He had a pretty significant injury. The way JuJu plays is physical. He could boost this offense, even just a few plays.”
Roethlisberger has thrown only 22 touchdowns this season which is a big drop from the 33 he threw in 2021.
Najee Harris has picked up the slack for what has at times looked like his diminished arm strength.
However, Smith-Schuster could be just the kryptonite Roethlisberger and the Steelers need to make a playoff run.
How Much Will He Play?
That seems to be the question.
Some are expecting somewhere between 20 to 25 snaps at a minimum.
I would expect at least 20 to 25 snaps from JuJu Smith-Schuster tomorrow. Maybe more if he shows he can handle it. But they didn’t activate him to sit.
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) January 16, 2022
The fact that the Steelers activated him for this game means they believe he can play at a high level and contribute.
A Bonus For The Steelers In More Way Than One
Besides having Smith-Schuster on the field for the playoffs, the Steelers get another benefit from him returning quickly.
They get an early indication of where he is and how he might fit into the 2022 plans for this team.
Smith-Schuster signed a one-year $7 million deal with the team for the 2021 season.
With Roethlisberger likely gone, this team will be going through offseason roster changes.
Will Smith-Schuster fit into the team’s future plans with the team’s other young receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool and tight end Pat Friermuth?
First things first is a huge game for the Steelers and Smith-Schuster on Sunday night football.
NEXT: Ben Roethlisberger Gets Sarcastic About The Playoffs