Steelers James Washington
Ok, they added Miller to the practice squad; they still do not have a replacement for JuJu, or do they? Don’t forget behind Smith-Schuster, Johnson, and Claypool is James Washington. Washington has taken his knocks and did not have a great 2018 season, and even 2020 was lackluster.
Then there were the supposed trade rumors that had surfaced in the pre-season. Well, no trade emerged, and Washington is still on the team. This may be his time to shine and show he is just as great as the other receivers on the team.
Bear in mind in 2019, when Big Ben got hurt and the ensuing injury to JuJu Smith-Schuster, which sidelined him for several weeks, who stepped up to help Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges? James Washington. He finished 2019 with 44 receptions and 735 yards with three touchdowns. Granted, he did not have the benefit of Roethlisberger throwing to him, or perhaps his numbers could have been higher. Nonetheless, he stepped up, helping keep the Steelers in the playoff hunt until the end of the season.
This year the Steelers have used him sparingly so far, and that is about to change. Whether or not the rumors of him wanting more playing time was true, he will get just that. If he steps up in a huge way to fill the void left by JuJu, it could lead to a new contract with the Steelers or help him if he chooses to go. That aside, no one can deny Washington has never been a talented receiver though he has played 2nd fiddle to receivers slightly more talented.
If Washington steps up like he is capable, JuJu’s loss may be negligible. However, what happens if he fails to deliver with his chance?