The Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday practiced for the seventh time since JuJu Smith-Schuster last appeared in a game. And for the seventh time, Smith-Schuster did not participate.
The team’s top wide receiver did, however, run on his own for the first time since suffering a knee injury Nov. 14 during a loss to the Cleveland Browns.
“It feels fine,” Smith-Schuster said of his left knee. “We’ll just ride it out. I don’t want to re-injure it.”
Smith-Schuster suffered a knee injury and concussion on the same play during the second quarter of the loss to the Browns, absorbing helmet hits from Greedy Williams and Morgan Burnett.
“It is frustrating not being out there to help the guys and making plays,” Smith-Schuster said. “I feel like I am a huge part of this team, but at the same time, I do what’s right for my team, for me to be healthy. Our guys can lead us to the playoffs, and, hopefully, I will be back in time to compete at the end of the season or the playoffs.”
Also missing practice Wednesday were veterans Vance McDonald and Mark Barron, each getting a veteran’s day off. Running back James Conner and wide receiver Diontae Johnson were limited at practice. Johnson because of illness and Conner as he continues to rehab from a shoulder injury that has kept him out of four of the past five games.
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