The good news just keeps rolling in for JuJu Smith-Schuster.
After finding out that his missing bike had been found and returned to the Mount Oliver Police Department this morning, Smith-Schuster was cleared by team doctors and was a full participant in practice, though he remains in the league’s concussion protocol. The rookie resumed his place working with the first-team offense as the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver.
Smith-Schuster also seemed to be getting along with disgruntled receiver Martavis Bryant, downplaying any potential riffs between the two.
“Me and Martavis are cool,” Smith-Schuster said. “You didn’t see us hugging out there today? We were hugging. We were hugging, holding hands, having a good time.”
The holding hands part was a bit of an exaggeration, but the two did appear to exchange tips during individual drills on how to properly spin the ball after a first down.
“We’re all just having fun out there. Obviously when you get a first down, you want to do something cool,” Smith-Schuster said. “[Antonio Brown] drops the ball [after signaling first down], so maybe a ball spin would be dope.”
While Smith-Schuster is still perfecting his first-down celebration, his touchdown celebrations are already becoming the stuff of legend. He told reporters they’ll have to wait and see what his next elaborate performance will be, though he does have one in mind — provided a certain 35-year-old quarterback is willing to cooperate.
“The ultimate celebration would be if we can get Ben in it,” Smith-Schuster said. “If Ben gets in it, I’ll give Ben my next check. Obviously he doesn’t need it, but hey.”
If he can find the end zone Sunday, Smith-Schuster will get to showcase his next celebration in front of a national audience. He’s excited for the opportunity as he makes his Sunday Night Football debut when the Steelers take on the Detroit Lions this weekend.
“For us to be in prime time, usually we’re playing early and we’re watching other guys play at night,” Smith-Schuster said. “[Sunday] we’re all going to be together and everyone will be watching us. So for us to go out there and show the world what Steeler Nation is about will be pretty fun.”
Larry Paul Honored
The American Red Cross gave its highest national award to Steelers part-owner Larry Paul, honoring him Tuesday with the Harriman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service. The award recognizes a volunteer who has provided extraordinary service extending to people and places beyond the local community.
Paul has volunteered for the Red Cross since 1999, beginning as a member of the Biomedical Services Committee before joining the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Board and later being elected to the Board of Governors in 2006. Along with being part-owner of the Steelers, Paul is co-founder and managing principal at Laurel Crown Partners, a venture capital and private equity firm.
Injury Report
Four Steelers were absent from Wednesday’s practice: guard David DeCastro, tackle Marcus Gilbert, tight end Vance McDonald and defensive end Stephon Tuitt. DeCastro’s absence was not injury related, while McDonald was out with a knee injury after playing in last Sunday’s game. Gilbert and Tuitt missed last week’s game, as Gilbert is dealing with a hamstring injury and Tuitt is recovering from a back injury.
Steve Rotstein: srotstein@post-gazette.com.
First Published: October 25, 2017, 8:57 p.m.
