It takes a village of wide receivers to compensate for the loss of JuJu Smith-Schuster to shoulder surgery, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

Tomlin confirmed Smith-Schuster will have a procedure performed on his right shoulder Wednesday and will be placed on injured reserve. How the Steelers compensate for the loss of their longest-tenured receiver won’t be a simple plug-and-play of a a player down the depth chart assuming Smith-Schuster’s exact role.

“When you talking about losing a guy like JuJu and how he functions in the framework of our offense, usually you’re talking about multiple people assuming the role in some form of fashion, particularly in the short term,” Tomlin said from the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during his weekly news conference.

“We will work at that division of labor and gain an understanding of who does what well, and position those guys to be positive contributors to our efforts so we get a JuJu-like production day from whoever is occupying that space.”

Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson already typically play the vast majority of the Steelers’ offensive snaps. Claypool would seem to be the best fit to assume Smith-Schuster’s role running out of the slot.

James Washington has been the Steelers’ No. 4 WR and Ray-Ray McCloud their No. 5 over the past two seasons when all are healthy. Tomlin mentioned each playing an increased role, along with Cody White. White was promoted from the practice squad last week and has played on offense each of the past two games. The first-year former undrafted player stood out among a group of other unheralded receivers during training camp.

“These are big opportunities for guys like (Washington, White and McCloud),” Tomlin said.

“We are not trying to replace JuJu; we are just trying to provide opportunity for those with expanded roles.”

Tomlin acknowledged the team will add a player from outside the organization to the wide receivers position room. According to multiple national reports, the Steelers will sign former Chicago Bears second-round pick Anthony Miller to their practice squad.

Tomlin said his “heart aches for JuJu,” who is in his fifth season with the Steelers and twice has led the team in receptions.

“I’m sorry for JuJu and appreciative for him and the spirit that he brings, the effort that be brings and the quality of his play,” Tomlin said. “But that’s what makes football the ultimate team game. We will be calling on a number of people to bridge the gap in the short- and long-term in terms of bringing what he provides.”

Here is more of what Tomlin had to say:

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