Patriots' Smith-Schuster rejects rumor knee 'could explode at any point'

New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster refuted a rumor that he's dealing with a debilitating knee injury.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said Smith-Schuster's knee is "a mess" and "could explode at any point" during a recent appearance on NBC Sports Boston.

The wide receiver pushed back Wednesday, stating his knee is strengthening.

"I don't think my knee is a ticking time bomb," Smith-Schuster told Karen Guregian of MassLive. "If anything, it's something that's getting stronger every day."

The 26-year-old, who signed a three-year deal worth up to $33 million in free agency, suffered a knee injury during the AFC Championship Game while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Smith-Schuster admitted to needing all of the two-week break before the Super Bowl to get ready, but he was able to play and finished the Chiefs' win with seven catches for 53 yards.

The wideout added that he underwent a "clean-up" procedure in the offseason that has allowed him to fully participate in Patriots workouts.

"It feels great," he said. "I haven't missed practice since (training camp started)."

Smith-Schuster produced 933 yards, the second-highest mark of his career, during his lone season in Kansas City.

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