Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

JuJu Smith-Schuster will play vs. Chiefs after surprising recovery from shoulder injury

By Adam Stites | Last updated 1/15/22

JuJu Smith-Schuster's season was presumed to be over when he suffered a shoulder injury in October that required surgery to repair, but the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver announced that he'll make his unlikely return to the field Sunday for a playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

God answered my prayers & I’ve recovered from my season-ending shoulder injury earlier than expected. I can’t believe I get another chance to take the field with this team and play in a playoff game to keep our season alive. Steelers Nation, #HereWeGo! pic.twitter.com/SdAKl3SrYx
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) January 15, 2022

Smith-Schuster, 25, was placed on the injured reserve when he suffered the injury in October, so he'll need to be activated by the Steelers ahead of the game. That transaction is expected to be made official sometime Saturday, according to ESPN's Kimberly Martin.

While the receiver returned to practice Thursday, the quick return to play against the Chiefs has reportedly even taken Steelers players by surprise.

Ju Ju Smith-Schuster was around this season. Working on his shoulder and talking with the WRs and helping them out. But still this week when he was getting ready for practice, teammates actually had no clue he was trying to come back for tomorrow’s game. Now he is. wild stuff.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 15, 2022

Smith-Schuster had 308 receptions for 3,726 yards and 26 touchdowns in his first four years with the Steelers before an injury ended his 2021 regular season prematurely.

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