Patriots’ JuJu Smith-Schuster Reveals Expected Injury Return Date

Acquiring JuJu Smith-Schuster was one of the biggest offseason moves made by the Patriots, but he has yet to make his way onto the practice field.

The 26-year-old suffered a knee injury in January during last season’s playoffs. He played through it and helped the Kansas City Chiefs win a Super Bowl ring. The wide receiver caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns in the 2022 regular season.

Now, with the Patriots after signing a three year, $33 million contract, he has been absent from both OTAs and mandatory minicamp practices. However, things could be changing relatively soon.

Smith-Schuster “plans to be on the field” when training camp begins July 26, per the Boston Globe’s Nicole Yang. Yang also reported that the wide receiver made his way to Mass. on Monday, a week in advance of when veterans are due to report to camp on July 25.

With DeAndre Hopkins having signed with the Tennessee Titans, New England is trusting their veteran wide receivers in Smith-Schuster, Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker and Tyquan Thornton.

A healthy Smith-Schuster could play an integral role in the Patriots offense under Bill O’Brien. Hopefully the 26-year-old makes his long-awaited return as expected next week.