How Patriots’ Mac Jones has connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster despite injury
The New England Patriots brought in a receiver during the offseason with winning experience and Mac Jones is making sure that expertise doesn't go to waste. Juju Smith-Schuster signed with the Patriots on a three-year, $33 million contract in March following a one-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. The receiver also picked up his […]
The New England Patriots brought in a receiver during the offseason with winning experience and Mac Jones is making sure that expertise doesn't go to waste.
Juju Smith-Schuster signed with the Patriots on a three-year, $33 million contract in March following a one-year stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. The receiver also picked up his first Super Bowl championship after the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII with Smith-Schuster catching seven passes for 53 yards.
With six years of experience playing in the NFL, the Patriots added an additional offensive weapon during the offseason and Jones has found time to work with the receiver despite him not being in attendance for optional OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
“We’ve gotten some reps together and a lot of that’s like, he’s working through some things so we’re always talking about the offense, certain plays, things that he likes, and I think that’s good," Jones said. "It’s the conversations that always helps just to see it how he sees it.”
Prior to the first day of mandatory minicamp, the Athletic's Jeff Howe reported that Juju Smith-Schuster was unlikely to practice due to injury. The receiver was one of nine players not in attendance.
After being drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, Smith-Schuster's stats speak for themselves.
The receiver has appeared in 79 games with 401 completions for 4,788 yards and 29 touchdowns.
“He really does have a good understanding of football and I feel like he’s really bought into the offense. He’s always studying and things like that, just like everybody else.”
The Patriots will hold two more days of mandatory minicamp to finish the offseason program, and it is likely that Smith-Schuster will remain sidelined in attempt for him to be ready for training camp.
Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports
