Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had one catch for seven yards and a touchdown in the 21-7 win over the Cleveland Browns. Since returning from his injury, Smith-Schuster has been an afterthought in the Chiefs offense. The 28-year-old tallied only one catch in four of the last five games and has not reached 35 receiving yards since Week 5. Smith-Schuster will hope to be more involved next week against the Houston Texans, who rank 27th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Despite scoring in this week's contest, fantasy managers should not consider Smith-Schuster a viable fantasy starter for Week 16.
Dec 16, 2024 4:31 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster caught one pass for eight yards in the 21-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Smith-Schuster returned to the team after missing the last three games. Despite being available, the veteran receiver was not a factor in the passing attack. Smith-Schuster only saw one target in the team's first loss of the season. Before the team's Week 6 bye, Smith-Schuster appeared to be the top receiver on the Chiefs, but it has been a long time since then. The Chiefs acquired DeAndre Hopkins in the absence of Smith-Schuster, and rookie Xavier Worthy has been more involved lately. Smith-Schuster will look to be a factor in next week's game against the Carolina Panthers, who rank 14th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. It will be difficult for fantasy managers to trust Smith-Schuster in starting lineups, considering the other talented pass catchers on the team.
Nov 17, 2024 8:33 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) practiced in full on Thursday and Friday and has been cleared to play in Week 11 on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Smith-Schuster will return for the first time since getting injured on Oct. 20 but won't be as interesting for fantasy managers now that DeAndre Hopkins is the team's top wideout. In his last game, the 27-year-old went off for 130 receiving yards, prompting many fantasy managers to pick him up off the waiver wire given how depleted KC's receiving corps was at the time. He'll still have a role as a deep threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes now that he's back, but at best, he'll be the No. 3 target behind Hopkins and stud tight end Travis Kelce. Smith-Schuster should be considered a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best, in his return against the Bills.
Nov 15, 2024 3:35 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday but was upgraded to full participation for Thursday's session, putting him on track to return in Week 11 to face the Buffalo Bills on the road. Head coach Andy Reid already said earlier this week that it's likely that Smith-Schuster would make his return against Buffalo after missing the previous three games with a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old wideout was a popular waiver-wire target after going for 130 receiving yards on seven catches in the win over the Saints on Oct. 7, but he was injured on Oct. 20 against the 49ers, and the Chiefs have since acquired DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Titans. At best, Smith-Schuster will probably be quarterback Patrick Mahomes' No. 3 target behind Hopkins and tight end Travis Kelce, making him a boom/bust WR4/flex in fantasy.
Nov 14, 2024 6:07 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is likely to return and play in Week 11 against the Buffalo Bills on the road. Smith-Schuster has not played since injuring his hamstring in a win over the San Francisco 49ers on Oct. 20, but he's expected to return to practice this week and play this weekend. The week prior to his injury, Smith-Schuster went off for seven catches and 130 yards in the win over the New Orleans Saints, prompting plenty of waiver-wire consideration with the Chiefs' receiving corps so banged up. However, since his injury, KC landed DeAndre Hopkins in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old will have a role in the Chiefs' passing attack when he returns, but the addition of Hopkins makes him less exciting from a fantasy perspective.
Nov 13, 2024 1:28 PM EST
Matt McMullen reports that Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid noted that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is "very close" to a return to the lineup. Smith-Schuster had a breakout game in Week 5 when he caught 7-of-8 targets for 130 yards in Kansas City's 26-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. However, following the team's bye in Week 6, he participated in just seven snaps before injuring his hamstring. He then missed the next three contests, but it appears he'll return to the lineup over the next few weeks at the latest. It will be interesting to see how the 27-year-old is worked into the team's scheme with the acquisition of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Additionally, tight end Travis Kelce's reemergence could put a damper on the veteran's work in the passing game. Fantasy managers will want to continue to monitor his status.
Nov 11, 2024 2:18 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The veteran wideout will now miss his third game in a row due to a lingering hamstring issue. Smith-Schuster was unable to practice all week, so the fact he has been ruled out shouldn't come as a surprise. His role is likely to decrease in the offense once he is back to full health. DeAndre Hopkins has stepped up and become the No. 1 wideout for this offense. Also, Xavier Worthy is still going to be involved, so Smith-Schuster is unlikely to be reliable once he does return.
Nov 8, 2024 2:12 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is still out of practice on Thursday leading up to Sunday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. The former Pittsburgh Steeler and New England Patriot has not played since Week 5, and he's looking likely to be out again in Week 10. In his absence, K.C. traded for DeAndre Hopkins, who has taken over the clear WR1 role. When Smith-Schuster finally does return, he could have very little fantasy value. If he surprisingly plays this week, he is not worth starting except in 16-plus team leagues against a Denver Broncos defense that has surrendered the 8th-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Nov 7, 2024 2:34 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is once again not practicing on Wednesday leading up to the Week 10 matchup with the Denver Broncos. The former Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers has not played since his 130-yard performance in Week 5. However, the team has not placed him on Injured Reserve, indicating they hoped he would be back by now. That said, even when he does return, he'll likely be relegated to the No. 3 option in the passing game behind tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. He might even be behind rookie Xavier Worthy. Smith-Schuster is borderline droppable 12-team leagues, but fantasy managers that are in trouble at the wideout spot can hold onto him in hopes he'll make an impact down the stretch.
Nov 6, 2024 2:09 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) has been ruled out for Week 9, according to Matt McMullen of the Kansas City Chiefs. The veteran wideout has been unable to practice all week and will now miss his second-straight contest after suffering a hamstring injury during Week 7. Smith-Schuster enjoyed a nice performance in Week 6, bringing in seven passes for 130 yards but has to have any fantasy impact since. Fantasy managers in deeper 3WR formats should continue to stash Smith-Schuster, as he could eventually have a stable role in the Kansas City passing attack. This weekend, DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce should be expected to see the majority of opportunities facing a Tampa secondary that has struggled to defend the pass.
Nov 2, 2024 2:12 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was again listed as a non-participant at the team's Friday practice. The veteran wideout has been tagged as a DNP for the fifth-straight session as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he sustained in Kansas City's Week 7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. With the Chiefs set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, Smith-Schuster will have one more chance to elevate his practice participation ahead of Week 9. The last time he played a full game, the 27-year-old had a massive seven-catch, 130-yard performance in Week 5. However, with DeAndre Hopkins now in the fold, his target share becomes less apparent. If the former USC Trojan again can't suit up, wide receivers Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Hopkins, and Mecole Hardman will handle the team's wide-receiver duties.
Nov 1, 2024 9:16 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is not practicing to begin the Week 9 prep for Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran has not been in action since his seven-catch, 130-yard day against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, and he looks to be trending toward missing another contest. It's difficult to know what his role will look like when he returns after the team traded for former All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins. However, fantasy managers in deep leagues might want to pick him up if they are desperate for potential flex options. He has a chance to return to practice later this week and nothing is official, so this will be a "wait and see" situation.
Oct 31, 2024 2:13 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) won't play in Week 8 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, although Reid didn't expand on the exact nature of Smith-Schuster's injury. In addition to Smith-Schuster, receiver Justin Watson (ankle) suffered a serious injury in the Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers and could be dealing with a fractured ankle. Smith-Schuster played only seven offensive snaps and wasn't targeted at all before leaving on Sunday. If KC doesn't trade for a receiver, they'll be down to rookie Xavier Worthy, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore against the Raiders with Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) already done for the year. Hardman had only three touches on Sunday but did score his first TD of the year. He's worth a look on the waiver wire if you're hurting at receiver.
Oct 21, 2024 1:30 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) won't return to Sunday's game against the 49ers. The wideout entered this contest carrying an injury designation, so it appears he wasn't ready to get on the field after coming off a huge seven-catch, 130-yard outing in Week 5 against the Saints. It's unknown if he'll be ready to go for the Week 8 matchup versus the Raiders. However, if Smith-Schuster doesn't suit up, it will likely result in more targets for Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and Noah Gray.
Oct 20, 2024 6:50 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers and is officially questionable to return. He had not been targeted prior to his departure. Smith-Schuster entered Week 7 with a hamstring injury, so while the Chiefs initially cleared him to play, it appears he re-aggravated the issue early during Sunday's contest. As the game continues, the Chiefs' passing attack will funnel through a combination of Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, and Mecole Hardman, among others.
Oct 20, 2024 4:54 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. The veteran receiver is coming off an impressive seven-catch, 130-yard performance prior to the Chiefs' Week 6 bye. So far, he has shown that he's capable of handling increased opportunities with Rashee Rice (knee) sidelined. Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy figure to lead the Chiefs' pass-catching attack on Sunday afternoon. Smith-Schuster is a viable WR3 in fantasy football.
Oct 20, 2024 3:15 PM EST
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is anticipated to play in Sunday's game versus the 49ers. Head coach Andy Reid implied the wideout was on the right track toward suiting up in Week 7, so his expected availability isn't surprising. He is coming off a monster performance, amassing seven catches (eight targets) for 130 yards in the Monday night victory over the Saints. While that type of showing makes Smith-Schuster at least a Flex option, he's still hard to trust, considering he had only two receptions entering Week 5.
Oct 20, 2024 12:26 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was held out of Thursday's practice session, but returned to practice on Friday. Head coach Andy Reid said Smith-Schuster will play during the Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. It sounds like the team is leaving him as questionable on the injury report just in case he suffers a setback. Smith-Schuster hauled in seven of his eight targets for 130 yards in Week 5. The Chiefs are limited in terms of viable passing options, so Smith-Schuster should continue being the primary slot receiver. The 27-year-old has some flex appeal heading into a tough matchup against the 49ers.
Oct 18, 2024 3:02 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was added to the Week 7 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Smith-Schuster's status for the Super Bowl rematch against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday is now firmly up in the air. It's bad news for a Chiefs offense that has already lost receivers Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) for the entire season. Running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) is also on Injured Reserve. The 27-year-old Smith-Schuster was a hot waiver-wire pickup after the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints in which he caught seven of eight targets for 130 yards. Depending on what he's able to do in practice on Friday, Smith-Schuster could be in danger of sitting out this weekend. KC would be forced to turn to Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore behind rookie Xavier Worthy if Smith-Schuster is unavailable.
Oct 17, 2024 7:54 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster caught seven passes for 130 yards in the 26-13 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. Smith-Schuster led all Chiefs pass catchers in receiving yardage in the victory. The Chiefs wide receiver was behind only Travis Kelce in targets and receptions, demonstrating Mahomes' trust in him. The Chiefs are undefeated heading into their Week 6 bye week. Despite not having a game this week, Smith-Schuster is worth a speculative add, given his substantial utilization in this week's win. Although Smith-Schuster performed well, it is not a given that he will keep this level of opportunity moving forward. Reports have stated that Kansas City is entertaining the possibility of trading for a wide receiver ahead of the deadline. It is also possible that Mahomes spreads the ball more evenly as Mecole Hardman returns from injury and Xavier Worthy establishes himself as an NFL receiver. That said, Smith-Schuster is the most experienced receiver playing with Mahomes, so he could remain a preferred target.
Oct 8, 2024 4:34 AM EST