Team news: Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin said that his “heart aches” for JuJu Smith-Schuster, who is playing on a one-year deal, but that he is also excited about the “big opportunities” that now exist for players like James Washington, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Cody White to make their mark on offense.

As we've said earlier this week and as the story pointed out, Washington could get the first crack at the job. McCloud did have one catch for a yard in Week 5.

Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster had surgery last night on his injured shoulder and is out for the season.

Related players: Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington, Ray-Ray McCloud

Rapoport said the procedure was successful, but as he also added it's a tough loss for a Pittsburgh offense that was maybe showing signs of hitting its stride last week in a win over Denver. Johnson and Claypool could see more targets as a result, at least until Washington can return as the team's WR3. More targets for Najee Harries and the tight ends could also be in the mix for the Steelers offense.

Steelers expected to put JuJu Smith-Schuster on injured reserve and are fearful he will miss rest of the season after injuring his shoulder vs Broncos, per sources.

Related players: Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington, Ray-Ray McCloud, Najee Harris

Claypool stood out this past week in the Steelers win, but he and Johnson would likely see a bump in targets without Smith-Schuster in the lineup. Washington is dealing with a groin injury but it's possible he takes on a bigger role at some point, although he was reportedly unhappy and requested to be traded earlier in the year. McCloud had one catch for a yard this past week. The team has shown they're not afraid to use Harris in the passing game so it's possible he absorbs more targets as well.

Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is having his shoulder evaluated at a hospital in Pittsburgh.

Smith-Schuster went to the locker room in the second quarter and did not return. He finished with just six rushing yards. He did not catch a single pass in Pittsburgh’s 27-19 win over the Broncos. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, their offense finally came alive. Najee Harris rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown (and that was with leaving late with cramps) and Chase Claypool had 130 yards receiving and a touchdown. This is the type of action we’ve been expecting from the Steelers. We’ll see how JuJu looks this week as the Steelers prepare for a Sunday night meeting with the Russell Wilson-less Seahawks next week before Pittsburgh has their bye in Week 7.

Steelers WR James Washington (groin) will not play Week 5 against the Denver Broncos.

The Steelers top three receivers are all playing this week, so Washington would have seen limited work. Back to obscurity...

Steelers WRs Chase Claypool (hamstring) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (ribs) were limited Wednesday according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.

JuJu was hurt Week 4 while Claypool did not play. Claypool's return to practice is a positive sign ahead of Week 5's matchup against the Denver Broncos.

When asked if Ben Roethlisberger is the best QB for Pittsburgh’s offense, HC Mike Tomlin responded, “Absolutely.”

Related players: Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins

Roethlisberger has struggled through the first four weeks of the 2021 season, and is now dealing with hip issues. Tomlin said everything about Big Ben's struggles can be fixed except for his mobility. But for right now, there doesn't seem to be a push to move toward Rudolph or Haskins.

Mike Tomlin says Ben Roethlisberger has some kind of hip issue from the game.

Related players: Mason Rudolph, Dwayne Haskins

Practice will be the guide for his participation, the tweet went on to say. There's been talk the Steelers should make a change at QB following the team's loss in Week 4 where Big Ben missed several passes, including two to JuJu Smith-Schuster that potentially could have been touchdowns. Many feel Rudolph would be next up in the pecking order, but it's no secret the team really does like Haskins, so he certainly could get a chance if the team moves away from Ben or he's just not able to start in Week 5.

If Ben Roethlisberger and the offense's struggles contribute over the next two weeks, a switch to Mason Rudolph may have to be considered as Pittsburgh heads into their Week 7 bye.

It's just one opinion, but the story pointed out several misfires from Ben against the Packers, perhaps the biggest to JuJu Smith-Schuster which could have potentially been a touchdown early in the game. The story also said it's not all Roethlisberger's fault - the offensive line is young and there could be a lack of trust there, and it added an inexperience with OC Matt Canada's offense may be a factor as well.