You've probably been refreshing the injury reports or checking your fantasy apps with a sense of dread. It’s divisional weekend in the NFL, the weather is turning brutal, and the stakes are through the roof. But if you’re looking for a specific name on the active roster, I’ve got some tough news.
Is JuJu Smith-Schuster playing today? No, he isn't. In fact, he won't be playing for a while.
It’s been a weird, frustrating season for Kansas City. Usually, by mid-January, we’re talking about Super Bowl odds and Mahomes’ magic. This year? The vibe is different. The Chiefs finished a dismal 6-11, missing the postseason entirely. So, while teams like the Broncos and Patriots are gearing up for big matchups this weekend, JuJu and the rest of the KC squad are already deep into their offseason plans.
The Reality of the Chiefs' Season Ending
The reason JuJu Smith-Schuster isn't on your screen today has nothing to do with a late-week hamstring tweak or a last-minute flu. It’s simply because the Chiefs didn't make the cut. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention back in December, and their final game of the year—a narrow 14-12 loss to the Raiders—happened on January 4, 2026.
Honestly, it’s still a bit of a shock to see them sitting at home. JuJu actually closed out the season on a somewhat productive note, hauling in two catches for 13 yards in that finale. He ended the 2025-26 campaign with 33 receptions for 345 yards and a lone touchdown. Not exactly the Pro Bowl numbers we saw from him in his Pittsburgh days, but he was one of the few veteran presences left standing in a room that got hit hard by the injury bug.
Why JuJu Smith-Schuster is Not Playing Today
Beyond the team’s elimination, the roster he was playing on barely looked like the Chiefs by the end of the year. The biggest domino to fall was Patrick Mahomes. Losing a generational quarterback to a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15 against the Chargers basically sucked the oxygen out of the building.
With Mahomes out, the offense turned into a shell of itself. JuJu found himself trying to make plays with Chris Oladokun under center. That’s a tall order for any receiver, let alone one who has been battling through his own career-long knee issues.
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- Team Status: Kansas City missed the playoffs (6-11 record).
- Injury Climate: The offense was decimated by the loss of Mahomes and Rashee Rice.
- Contract Situation: JuJu played this year on a one-year deal.
- Offseason Start: The team's season ended on January 4th.
What’s Next for JuJu in 2026?
Since there’s no game today, the conversation naturally shifts to where JuJu might land next. He’s 29 now. That’s not "old" by normal human standards, but in NFL receiver years, the clock is ticking loudly.
He becomes an unrestricted free agent this spring. Because he only signed a one-year flyer with Kansas City, he’s free to talk to anyone once the new league year kicks off. Some analysts, like those over at Rotowire, have pointed out that he hasn’t caught more than three touchdowns in a season since 2020. That might make his market a bit chilly.
However, he still has that "big slot" reliability. Teams looking for a veteran who knows how to find the soft spot in a zone will probably give his agent a call. Whether he stays in KC for a rebuild or moves on to his fourth NFL city is the big question for February.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking for football today, you’ll have to watch the Denver Broncos take on the Buffalo Bills or the Seahawks face the 49ers. The Chiefs are spectators just like us.
- Don't check the active rosters: JuJu is not listed because his season is over.
- Watch the waiver wire: If you play in dynasty fantasy leagues, JuJu’s value is at an all-time low, making him a potential "buy low" candidate if you think he lands in a better spot.
- Keep an eye on Mahomes' rehab: The QB's recovery will dictate how aggressive the Chiefs are in bringing back veterans like JuJu.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the NFL's official transaction wire starting in March. That's when we'll finally know if JuJu is staying in red or moving on to a new chapter. For now, the best thing to do is enjoy the divisional round and prepare for a very busy NFL offseason.