JuJu Smith-Schuster Ruled Out for Chiefs vs. Chargers

Kansas City ruled the veteran receiver out for Week 11 less than a day after placing Mecole Hardman on injured reserve.

The Chiefs will be without JuJu Smith-Schuster for Sunday’s game against the Chargers after ruling the veteran receiver out with a concussion, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday.

Smith-Schuster, who did not practice this week, has been in concussion protocol since last Sunday when he took a vicious hit from Jaguars safety Andre Cisco in the second quarter of the Chiefs’ eventual 27–17 victory. The 25-year-old needed assistance from teammates as he walked to the Kansas City sideline, and was ruled out for the remainder of the game shortly thereafter.

Smith-Schuster’s injury will temporarily halt what has been a promising season for the former Steelers star in first year playing with Patrick Mahomes and the dynamic Chiefs’ offense. After enduring an injury-shortened final season in Pittsburgh in 2021, Smith-Schuster has flourished as a top option for Mahomes, racking up 46 receptions (64 targets) for 615 yards and two touchdowns.

Friday’s news also adds another concerning red flag to the Chiefs’ depleting receiver depth after the club placed standout Mecole Hardman on injured reserve on Thursday. 

With his two top receivers officially out for Week 11, Mahomes will have to rely on the often-reliable Travis Kelce, and a promising receiving corps of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson and electric newcomer Kadarius Toney to get job done Sunday night.

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