When Is JuJu Smith-Schuster Coming Back - Fantasy Football Injury Update For Week 9

The Kansas City Chiefs might be missing one of their veteran wideouts again as JuJu Smith-Schuster works his way back from a nagging hamstring injury.

The former second-round pick was impactful earlier this season, showing his big-play potential with seven catches for 130 yards in Week 5. However, after aggravating his hamstring in Week 7, his status for Week 9 remains unclear.

With the Chiefs facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there is hope that Smith-Schuster can return. Let's review the latest updates on his injury and evaluate his fantasy outlook as competition for targets ramps up in Kansas City.

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JuJu Smith-Schuster Injury Update for Fantasy Football

The former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver first appeared on the Chiefs' injury report in Week 7 with a hamstring issue but played a limited role, seeing only 10% of snaps before worsening the injury.

He was subsequently sidelined for Kansas City's Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, with head coach Andy Reid signaling a cautious approach toward the 27-year-old's recovery.

Given the unpredictable nature of hamstring injuries, Smith-Schuster's availability for Week 9 remains day-to-day.

Due to his limited play this season, the former Pro Bowler has not established a steady rhythm in Kansas City's offense. The Chiefs' staff will likely prioritize long-term health over rushing him back, particularly as the team now has other veteran options in the passing game.

Fantasy managers will want to monitor mid-week practice reports to gauge whether the Long Beach native is on track to face Tampa Bay.

JuJu Smith-Schuster Fantasy Football Outlook

The addition of seasoned receiver DeAndre Hopkins, another accomplished pass-catcher, could impact Smith-Schuster's role even if he returns to full health soon.

Hopkins, who caught two passes for 29 yards in his Chiefs debut, is expected to play an increasingly prominent role alongside rookie Xavier Worthy. With Hopkins already familiarizing himself with the playbook, Smith-Schuster's return could see him in a more limited role, making consistent fantasy production harder to project.

Chiefs lost WR Hollywood Brown to a shoulder injury during the preseason, WR Rashee Rice to a knee injury last month, and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster to a hamstring injury last week.

But WR help now is expected to be on the way with DeAndre Hopkins. pic.twitter.com/VXEn6ifAJA

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2024

Though Smith-Schuster showed flashes of upside earlier this season, his potential fantasy value is now in question, given Kansas City's increased receiver depth. Travis Kelce looks to be returning to form. It will be challenging for the former USC Trojan as he works to regain a prominent spot in an offense led by Patrick Mahomes.

For now, fantasy managers may prefer to look for more dependable options, waiting to see how the Chiefs' passing attack settles before relying on him in their lineups.

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