Report: Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster Suffered Bruised Ribs

The Steelers were holding their breath as another slate of key injuries hit them on Sunday, no one else more important than wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who left the game early with a rib injury and did not return to the game. Luckily, it appears that Smtih-Schuster only suffered bruised ribs, and all other tests were negative, meaning there were no fractures, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

#Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, who left Sunday’s game with a rib injury, was diagnosed with bruised ribs, sources say. He’s considered day-to-day after undergoing all tests and receiving negative results (negative is good).

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 27, 2021

With Smith-Schuster banged up, the Steelers were relying heavily on guys like Ray-Ray McCloud and Cody White to give them lots of snaps. With Diontae Johnson nursing a knee injury as well, Smith-Schuster’s status will have to be monitored closely. Whether the use of a flak jacket or something else would help his availability is something that will likely be revealed throughout the week.

Thus far on the season, Smith-Schuster has 13 receptions for 118 yards and a rushing touchdown. It appears that he certainly does have a chance to play on Sunday against the Packers as long as something does not arise. As Mike Tomlin would say, they will likely let his availability be their guide in seeing if Smith-Schuster can suit up on Sunday.