Report: Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster ‘Trending Toward’ Playing vs. Chiefs

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had no issues after practicing with the team on Thursday and is trending toward playing on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Smith-Schuster was designated to return from the injured reserve list on Thursday. After practice, head coach Mike Tomlin did not rule out Smith-Schuster playing on Sunday, but said it was too soon to say.

Fellow wide receiver Diontae Johnson said Smith-Schuster looked good at practice.

“He looked smooth,” Johnson said. “He’s still got great hands. … Just being able to see him running around and show that he’s still JuJu at the end of the day, it’s exciting.”

Smith-Schuster needed surgery after suffering a shoulder dislocation that could not be reset in the Steelers’ Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos. He was expected to miss four month, and his return a month early was a surprise to teammates.

The Steelers have relied heavily on backup slot receiver and kick returner Ray-Ray McCloud in Smith-Schuster’s absence.