4 Patriots Already on Thin Ice In Training Camp
2. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
A lot of eyes were on veteran wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster when training camp began. Smith-Schuster was one of the Patriots' biggest 2023 offseason signings, however, he only managed to record 260 receiving yards with one touchdown on 29 catches across 11 games, marking the worst performance of his NFL career.
Nevertheless, the former USC star admitted in May that he was mostly banged up last season and never had a chance to get healthy. If a few months following the campaign to heal, New England fans hoped to see the former Pro Bowl receiver return to his previous form.
Much to his dismay, Smith-Schuster's revenge tour hasn't begun as planned. The ex-Trojan has had some rough showings at camp, which includes when he dropped two passes on Thursday before failing to come down with multiple balls on Friday.
Alex Austin with a pass breakup against a comeback route from JuJu Smith-Schuster. Jacoby Brissett with the throw.
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) July 26, 2024
For someone who's supposed to be the Patriots' WR1, Smith-Schuster is looking like anything but that. If he isn't careful and his poor performances continue, the Long Beach, CA native will probably be passed by the likes of Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, and even K.J. Osborn on the depth chart.