The Kansas City Chiefs’ top wide receiver was missing from the Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell from the box score.

With Rashee Rice on injured reserve due to a scary knee injury, the back-to-back Super Bowl champions were hoping someone else would step in this week. In the end, it was JuJu Smith-Schuster whose star shone brightly (most of the time). Monday Night Football Stage. He credits much of his success to head coach Andy Reid, who has worked hard to find spots where he can best utilize him.

“To be honest, he just knows how to put guys in position,” Smith-Schuster said. “He basically knows how to use their strength on the field and he shows that. I think that’s something I was able to do here. Like I said, I’m just super blessed. “It’s an honor to be here.”

It feels strange to talk about a 27-year-old putting on a vintage-style performance, but that’s exactly what Smith-Schuster experienced on Monday. In just one game night, he had exactly half the yardage he amassed in 11 games a season ago as a member of the New England Patriots. This ineffective play led to his release and subsequently resulted in him ending up back in Kansas City.

Eight goals, seven balls and 130 yards later, and it’s safe to say Smith-Schuster has answered the call with flying colors. He attributes it to staying ready and being happy with the role assigned to him.

“After I was released, I just waited patiently,” Smith-Schuster said. “When Andy Reid called he said to me, ‘We can give you a small package deal.’ Even coming back to a place like this, I was okay with being the leader in the room and I was okay with just being the guy that helps our young people do the right thing. Right, I think , when the opportunity arises, I love the adversity I’ve always bet on. It was a given to come back here. I love the pressure my teammates put on me and it makes me a better person.

Moving forward, the Chiefs will need more meaningful input from their entire wideout depth chart. Until an attempt is made to replace Rice – and If One has even been made – a lot of pressure is being put on players like Smith-Schuster, his experienced colleague Justin Watson and newcomer Xavier Worthy. Each individual’s role is critical at this point, especially considering how important Rice was to the offense before his injury.

If Smith-Schuster’s teammates follow his preparation method, perhaps some of the great performance can rub off on them next.

“Just study, study, study,” Smith-Schuster said. “I’m a 24/7 pen and paper type of guy who uses index cards. Knowing where everyone is on the field, you just never know when the opportunity will come. When the time comes, you just have to maximize it.

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