Report: Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster to go on injured reserve with shoulder injury

JuJu Smith-Schuster is expected to be placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury that the fifth-year wide receiver sustained before halftime Sunday in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 27-19 victory against the Denver Broncos.

NFL Network and ESPN reported that Smith-Schuster, who was treated at a hospital Sunday night, will have surgery this week to repair a dislocation that could keep him sidelined for the rest of the season.

“No one has been specific and firm about his timeline, but I’m told injured reserve is the likelihood and season-ending is possible,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on the network’s “Good Morning Football” show.

Smith-Schuster did not have surgery Sunday night, however, as NFL Network initially reported.

By being placed on injured reserve, Smith-Schuster will miss a minimum of three weeks. His absence would weaken an already banged-up position group. The Steelers already have played games this season without wide receivers Diontae Johnson (knee), Chase Claypool (hamstring) and James Washington (groin).

Washington did not play against the Broncos because of his injury.

Smith-Schuster was injured with 5 minutes, 47 seconds left in the first half when he was tackled by Kareem Jackson on an end-around run that gained 3 yards. Smith-Schuster was seen screaming in pain as trainers examined his right arm and shoulder on the sideline. He was taken to the locker room and was not seen on the sidelines for the remainder of the game.

Smith-Schuster did not have a reception in the game and, for the season, he has totaled 15 catches for 129 yards and no touchdowns. Although he has appeared in all five games, Smith-Schuster left in the second half of the Week 3 game against Cincinnati with a rib injury.

Smith-Schuster was a free agent in March but he returned to the team on a one-year, $8 million deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent again after the season.