NFL Rumors: Chiefs Wide Receiver to Miss Week 11

The Kansas City Chiefs are the league's top-scoring offense, but they could be shorthanded at receiver in Week 11 when they face the Los Angeles Chargers. Juju Smith-Schuster was absent for his third straight practice, casting doubt over his availability for Sunday Night Football.

JuJu Smith-Schuster is not at the early portion of Chiefs practice. Unless he shows up later, he will complete the practice week without working
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) November 18, 2022

Smith-Schuster exited in the Chiefs' 27-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars after a frightening collision forced him into concussion protocol. The Chiefs also placed wide receiver Mecole Hardman on injured reserve earlier this week, putting them in line to be without two of their top four pass catchers against the Chargers.

Smith-Schuster has been a huge hit for the Chiefs since joining the team on a one-year, $3.25 million deal earlier this offseason. His 615 receiving yards lead all wide receivers on the team, and his 9.6 yards per target are his most since his stellar rookie season. His 68.3 receiving yards per game are his most since his one and only Pro Bowl season in 2018.

Smith-Schuster initially entered the NFL as the Pittsburgh Steelers' 62nd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He burst onto the scene with a pair of sensational seasons to open his career, totalling 2343 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns at a stellar 9.6 yards per target over 30 appearances. Injuries and the general decline of the Steelers' offense precipitated a fall from grace, and he averaged 45.8 yards per game and a mediocre 6.7 yards per target from 2019 to 2021. He was well on his way to a comeback season before Sunday's injury.