JuJu Smith-Schuster returns to Steelers lineup for Jets game

After missing the past four games with a knee injury, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will play for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday against the New York Jets.

Smith-Schuster hasn’t played since the 21-7 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 14, when he left the game with a concussion. After making the Pro Bowl last season, the third-year veteran ranks fourth on the team in receptions (38), third in receiving yards (524) and tied for second in receiving touchdowns (three) this season.

#Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster meets up with Jets Coach Hines Ward before today’s game at MetLife Stadium. pic.twitter.com/otU1yWaF5v

— Christopher Horner (@Hornerfoto1) December 22, 2019

Smith-Schuster, tight end Vance McDonald and cornerback Joe Haden all were cleared to play on Friday afternoon, when McDonald practice and also was cleared from the concussion protocol. Haden had missed Thursday’s practice with a foot injury but practiced Friday.

That gives the Steelers (8-6) a full complement of starters against the Jets (5-9), and a victory will allow them to maintain their standing as the sixth seed for the final spot in the AFC playoffs.

Steelers inactives include quarterback Paxton Lynch, offensive tackle Chuks Okorafor, wide receiver Amara Darboh, tight end Zach Gentry, cornerback Artie Burns, strong safety Marcus Allen and outside linebacker Tuzar Skipper.

Defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs is active, as are all five Steelers running backs.

Inactive for the Jets are wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, cornerback Nate Hairston, safeties Blake Countess and Bennett Jackson, running backs Josh Adams and Kenneth Dixon and guard Tom Compton.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.