JuJu Smith-Schuster dealt with injuries during the 2021 season in Pittsburgh and in 2022 with the Kansas City Chiefs.
As he heads into his first summer with the New England Patriots, the veteran wide receiver is still banged up. Smith-Schuster missed the first day of mandatory minicamp on Monday and is “day-to-day,” according to Bill Belichick.
The Patriots don’t appear to be too worried about Smith-Schuster right now, but longtime New England beat writer Mike Giardi is at least a little anxious, considering the 26-year-old’s injury history and newness to the organization.
“That he is still dealing with physical ailments in June is concerning, especially as you take a deeper look at his injury history. Remember, he spoke on how challenging this playbook is to learn,” Giardi wrote about Smith-Schuster on Tuesday.
Thoughts on #Patriots after day 1 of mandatory mini camp Monday.
– “Disappointing” was the word used to describe Trent Brown’s absence.
– JuJu Smith-Schuster had to be managed for the entirety of the 2nd half of last season with the Chiefs. Practices missed, etc. That he is still…— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) June 13, 2023
Despite having to manage his health during the 2022 campaign, Smith-Schuster only missed one game, catching 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns in his only season with KC.
He went on to catch 10 passes for 89 yards in the Chiefs’ three postseason games, drawing the critical defensive pass interference on Philadelphia’s James Bradberry in the Super Bowl, which led to Kansas City’s game-winning field goal.
Smith-Schuster signed a three year, $25.5 million contract with the Patriots this offseason.