JuJu Smith-Schuster is falling behind in the New England Patriots wide receiver competition.
The veteran wideout, who is amid his second training camp in New England, has been virtually nonexistent through five practices. Four of those five were held without pads, too, and those sessions typically benefit offensive skill players more than their defensive counterparts.
Smith-Schuster had an ugly drop on a pass from rookie quarterback Drake Maye during a 1-on-1 portion Sunday. It was arguably one of Maye’s best throws of camp, but Smith-Schuster couldn’t hold on and second-string cornerback Alex Austin earned the pass breakup.
Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones had a pass breakup on Smith-Schuster during a competitive 11-on-11 period Sunday, as well. That throw came from quarterback Jacoby Brissett and proved just how little Smith-Schuster can separate, despite the fact he told reporters he was fully recovered from a knee injury.
On the latest episode of NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast, NESN.com’s Sean T. McGuire joined the show and shared what he’s seen from Smith-Schuster during an “underwhelming” start to training camp. McGuire even went as far as to say Smith-Schuster will be on the outside looking in when the Patriots make roster cuts.
“At this point, I think it’s a no-brainer that he’s not going to make the team,” McGuire told NESN co-hosts George Balekji and Travis Thomas. “We’ll see what happens in the next few weeks when pads come on, but it’s tough to envision that he does.”
