The Pittsburgh Steelers are nearly full strength as they prepare for the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. One player who missed practice this week was wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Fortunately it was only due to an illness and he was back to practice on Friday and looks ready to roll.
But this opens up a larger conversation about whether or not Smith-Schuster has been ready to roll at all this season. After hauling in 111 passes in 2018, Smith-Schuster only has 25 this season. Yes, some of this can be attributed to the changes at quarterback this season but you have to wonder how much of this slump is because he’s seeing more coverage and can’t beat it.
If there was ever a game when Smith-Schuster when Smith-Schuster could remove doubt and quiet the critics it is this one. The Dolphins have all but given up but still have some talent in the secondary. With Mason Rudolph back under center, there is no better opportunity for Smith-Schuster to create some momentum for the next three games. If the Steelers’ coaches don’t find ways to get Smith-Schuster the football this week, I’m not sure if it will ever happen.
