KC Chiefs are ‘very optimistic’ about JuJu Smith-Schuster’s availability
By Matt Conner
Andy Reid says he is very optimistic that wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster will be able to play for the Chiefs against the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
The Kansas City Chiefs will be crossing their fingers (and working hard with athletic trainers) to make sure that the many injured players on the roster at this point will be able to suit up in time to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. With more than a week to go, however, it’s impossible to tell who will be in or out.
Fortunately, the Chiefs are feeling “very optimistic” about one important player: wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster left the Chiefs’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals for the AFC Championship with a knee injury, one of several wide receivers forced to leave the field with an issue. The loss of Smith-Schuster not only removed their top option apart from Travis Kelce in the passing game, but it left the team thin overall given that Justin Watson was sick, Mecole Hardman reinjured his pelvis, and Kadarius Toney sprained his ankle.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday as the Chiefs returned to practice, Reid gave some vague updates but spoke most glowingly about Smith-Schuster’s chances of playing.
"“I think he will be able to do that,” Reid said of Smith-Schuster. “He’s in a good place. The main thing is we let (the swelling) calm down. Right now, it’s doing great. So, I’m very optimistic right now. And his want to is all-in there, so we’ll just see where it goes.”"
This is the second time Smith-Schuster has been injured this season after he also took a big hit to the head from Jacksonville Jaguars safety Andre Cisco back in November.
Without Smith-Schuster, the Chiefs leaned heavily on Marquez Valdes-Scantling and elevated Skyy Moore on the depth chart along with Marcus Kemp. The ability of anyone else to suit up and get better before February 12 will be key for the Chiefs.
Smith-Schuster finished the regular season with 78 catches for 933 yards and 3 touchdowns.
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