Steelers' JuJu Smith-Schuster posts pictures after season-ending shoulder surgery

Joe Rutter
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 5:34 p.m. | Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 5:34 p.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is helped of the field by head trainer John Norwig (left) and Dr. James Bradley after a hit against Broncos in the second quarter on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 at Heinz Field.

Posting a picture to his verified Twitter account Wednesday after he had surgery on his right shoulder, JuJu Smith-Schuster confirmed he will miss the rest of the 2021 season.

The fifth-year receiver posted a picture from his hospital bed with his shoulder heavily bandaged and his arm in a sling. With his left hand, Smith-Schuster gave the thumbs-up sign.

Smith-Schuster was injured in the second quarter Sunday when he was tackled on an end-around in the Steelers’ 27-19 victory against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field.

Some words from me. Thank you everyone for the love and support! pic.twitter.com/kCmhyKSXVy

— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) October 13, 2021

Smith-Schuster was in pain as he left the field, and he was taken immediately to the locker room and transported to a hospital for testing.

“Blessed to have had a successful surgery this morning,” Smith-Schuster wrote on his Twitter post. “There’s no other way to say it, but I’m heartbroken that I’m going to be out for the rest of the season. It kills me to have worked hard all year to help our team on the field and now have my season cut short five weeks in. I’ll do everything in my power to recover and I’ll put in another full offseason of work next year to perform to the best of my abilities next season.”

At the @JuJuFoundation Luau on Monday night, @TeamJuJu delivered a message to his family, friends and teammates in attendance. pic.twitter.com/sbRAIHU2Y8

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 14, 2021

Smith-Schuster thanked the doctors and medical staffs for his care, and he expressed well-wishes to the Steelers organization and his fans.

“I really appreciate all the love,” Smith-Schuster wrote. “Be back soon.”

Smith-Schuster signed a one-year, $8 million contract to return to the Steelers in free agency. He will hit unrestricted free agency again in March, although his market value will be hindered by his season-ending injury. Smith-Schuster had 15 catches for 129 yards and no touchdowns in five games this season.

Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.