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New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has enjoyed a couple of productive seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. However, he will now be tasked with operating as the potential No. 1 target for quarterback Mac Jones and the Patriots offense.
Smith-Schuster battled injuries during spring OTAs and his status was in doubt leading up to training camp, but we now have a positive update on his health.
Is Smith-Schuster cleared to practice? What is his 2023 fantasy outlook and where should you draft him? Let's dive in.
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JuJu Smith-Schuster Injury Update For Fantasy Football
Smith-Schuster (knee) was at Gillette Stadium for a few days before training camp and was cleared to practice as training camp began. The 26-year-old wideout was banged up earlier in the offseason but he looks to be good to go when it matters most, ahead of a pivotal training camp.
The former 1,400-yard receiver with the Steelers will need all the time and reps he can with Mac Jones in order to develop into a target hog, No. 1 wideout, and legitimate fantasy option.
Where To Draft JuJu Smith-Schuster
Assuming Smith-Schuster can stay healthy, he has legitimate low-end WR2 upside in PPR formats. The New England passing game is unlikely to be explosive and high-powered, but Smith-Schuster is the most established NFL wideout in a room consisting of DeVante Parker, Tyquan Thornton, Kendrick Bourne, and Kayshon Boutte.
Smith-Schuster was signed primarily to replace Jakobi Meyers, who posted a WR29 finish in PPR leagues last season -- despite New England ranking in the bottom half of the league in passing yards per game, points per game, and passing attempts per game. If New England's offense improves and increases its pass rate under new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien, Smith-Schuster could prove to be a great value at his current ADP of WR45.
There is a wide range of outcomes for the Patriots offense in 2023. Many of their weapons are unproven and it's most definitely a "prove it" year for Mac Jones, but Smith-Schuster could have plenty of value in a bounce-back season.
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