The expanded function that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver sought in the preseason is upon him, though not by the conditions any person in the company would've desired.

Steelers WR will following surgical procedure to repair a shoulder injury endured in over the Denver Broncos. As well as although instructor Mike Tomlin stated replacing Smith-Schuster will drop on several sets of shoulders, it's Washington who figures to be relied on most to load the void.

"When you talk about losing a person like JuJu and how he operates within the framework of our violation, normally you're talking about several individuals assuming the function in some kind or fashion," Tomlin said Tuesday, through. "We're not trying to change JuJu. We're just trying to provide extra chance for those that obtain increased duties."

Currently in his fourth professional season, Washington has actually been a relative second thought in the Steelers' infraction to this factor (nine catches, 99 lawns).

In August, amidst Tomlin-refuted reports that Washington requested a trade, he at least recognized that he 'd made his function on the team a with the team. He's been the Steelers' 4th receiver behind Smith-Schuster, and also. Washington had the most effective season of his job in 2019, when he caught 44 masquerade 735 backyards and three touchdowns.

"We got a lot of self-confidence in James, therefore nevertheless regrettable the injury is for JuJu, it does supply an opportunity for James to expand his duty as well as to do some points that we all know he's capable of doing," Tomlin added.

Smith-Schuster didn't specifically illuminate the stat sheet in his short 2021 campaign; he scored no goals as well as balanced simply 26 getting backyards per video game. That can not all be attributable to Smith-Schuster, nevertheless, provided quarterback's battles. Huge Ben played his finest video game on Sunday, however, and if he's found his stride, Washington's raised action will be well-timed. To the degree that Tomlin spreads around Smith-Schuster's breaks, and will certainly see more having fun time too.

The Steelers also added WR to their technique squad on Tuesday.