Andy Reid Teases Big WR Move After JuJu Smith-Schuster Injury

Joseph Grassano

Jul 22, 2024; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) walks down the hill from the locker room to the fields prior to training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

JuJu Smith-Schuster looked prime to be the Chiefs' No. 1 receiver going forward after his breakout performance in Week 5. Smith-Schuster had seven catches on eight targets for 130 yards against the Saints, turning back the clock as an exciting receiver.

Unfortunately, Smith-Schuster suffered a hamstring early in Sunday's 28-12 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. His hamstring was a concern entering the game after he missed practice on Thursday. So, when Smith-Schuster left the game and did not return, it sounded alarm bells for many.

Well, fans were right to be worried, as head coach Andy Reaid has already confirmed that Smith-Schuster won't play this week against the Raiders.

Andy Reid says WR JuJu Smith-Schuster won't play this week against the Raiders. Doesn't expand on the injury however.

Reid also didn't initial confirm the NFL Network report of a fractured ankle for CB Justin Watson but says the outcome isn't going to be good.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) October 21, 2024

Smith-Schuster's confirmed absence for the Raiders matchup means others must step up.

Andy Reid Suggests Chiefs WR Moves On the Way

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid on WR JuJu Smith-Schuster's injury and potential practice squad elevations: "Really all those guys on the practice squad, we've got trust and feel good about. We've talked about it a little here. I'll get a chance to talk to (Brett) Veach here. . . and we'll…
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) October 21, 2024

The wide receivers on the Chiefs practice squad include Nikko Remigio, Justyn Ross, and Montrell Washington. Both Ross and Washington have NFL experience, while Remigio is a favorite among Chiefs Kingdom.

Last season, Ross appeared in ten games for the Chiefs, making six catches on 11 targets for 53 yards. While Washington appeared in 15 games making four catches on nine targets for two yards for the Denver Broncos in 2022.

Remigio went undrafted in 2023 and was signed by the Chiefs. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury during a preseason game, meaning he didn't have a chance to help the team last season.

Realistically, none of these guys are going to come into the lineup and take over the game. But, if one of them can provide a reliable target for Mahomes on Sunday, then they might just earn themselves a roster spot going forward.

More Kansas City Chiefs News:

Joseph Grassano

Joseph Grassano is a recent graduate of National Louis University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Communications with a minor in Marketing. As a lifelong football fan, Joseph combines his passion with a strong foundation in statistical analysis to form well-informed opinions. He hosts "The Bear Down Buzz," a podcast out on all platforms, where he engages in insightful discussions about the Chicago Bears.