Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will return to Acrisure Stadium for the first time since leaving the team in free agency two years ago. The now New England Patriots wideout can't wait to be back in the Steel City where his NFL career began.
"I’m excited," Smith-Schuster told reporters. "First time going back. It’ll be cool to see Mike Tomlin, play against those boys and just get a win."
Smith-Schuster left in free agency after the 2021 season, signing with the Kansas City Cheifs, where he eventually won a Super Bowl. He then signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Patriots this past spring.
In five years with the Steelers, Smith-Schuster caught 323 passes for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns. The former second-round pick burst onto the scene with 14 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards in his first two seasons, but injuries prevented him from sticking around long-term.
The Patriots are dealing with a key injury within their receiving core, as rookie Demario ‘Pop’ Douglas is unlikely to play due to a concussion. Therefore, Smith-Schuster will see plenty of action against Joey Porter Jr. and Patrick Peterson in this Week 14 matchup.
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