Dec 23, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) reacts after fumbling during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, sealing victory on a fumble by Pittsburgh’s Juju Smith-Schuster.

After the play, Smith-Schuster — who was very passionate about playing in Week 16 despite a groin injury — broke down in tears.

That’s just rough to see. Smith-Schuster isn’t solely to blame for the 31-28 loss, but this play was undeniably huge.

Making matters worse is that this defeat significantly cripples Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes. They’ll now need to win in Week 17 and have the Cleveland Browns upset the Baltimore Ravens.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: William Nylander gives Leafs a 1-0 lead over Bruins
Pacers ride bench to first playoff series win in 10 years
Hurricanes restrict ticket sales for series against Rangers
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott provides significant update on contract negotiations
Yankees 2B after loss to Orioles: 'We got punched in the face'
Browns are reportedly losing patience with Deshaun Watson
Georgia makes Kirby Smart the highest-paid coach in college football
Clippers will need to fight for their playoff lives in Game 6 without injured star
Bucks getting one of two stars back for Game 6 vs. Pacers
Ex-Knicks GM emerges as candidate for Pistons' president role
Encouraging sign emerges about Timberwolves HC Chris Finch after sideline injury
Patriots HC Jerod Mayo open to a reunion with Tom Brady
LeBron James no longer prioritizing playing with Bronny?
Insider provides timeline for 'likely' firing of Darvin Ham
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott shares thoughts on reunion with RB Ezekiel Elliott
Steelers RB discusses wild potential role for Justin Fields
Vikings' J.J. McCarthy wanted one team to draft him
Team Penske driver discusses bouncing back after IndyCar St. Pete disqualification
James Harden sets dreadful playoff record in Game 5 loss
Suns GM faces backlash for bizarre claims about Kevin Durant

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.