The Steelers’ worst fears were confirmed Thursday morning. Further tests conducted revealed a torn ACL for Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree.
It was crushing for the fourth-year linebacker who was enjoying a stellar season with eight sacks in 11 games. Not only because he was an integral part of a team with Super Bowl aspirations, but it’s all but confirmed to be his last season with Pittsburgh.
There’s no time to dwell on Dupree, though. The show must go on. How will they do it?
Alex Highsmith
The Steelers tagged Bud Dupree in March, knowing full well they could not afford to keep him beyond 2020. Depth at the outside linebacker position became an immediate need for Pittsburgh.
Enter Alex Highsmith, via the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Spelling Dupree, Highsmith has 361 snaps (63 run, 59 pash rush, 19 coverage) and contributed one sack, 14 tackles (3 for loss), and a quarterback hit.
In Week 8 versus the Baltimore Ravens, Highsmith came up with a huge interception early in the third quarter. The pick led to an Eric Ebron touchdown, which brought the Steelers within three points of the Ravens, 14-17.
Jayrone Elliott
During training camp in August, the Steelers signed Elliott, who was with the team in 2019. In five games and 22 defensive snaps, Elliott logged two tackles. His use was primarily on special teams, though, where he’s appeared in three games this season.
Vince Williams/Mike Hilton
As Steelers Wire’s own Curt Popejoy pointed out earlier, it’ll take a village to replace Dupree’s production. Expect inside linebacker Vince Williams and cornerback Mike Hilton to pick up the slack when needed — which will likely be often.
Beyond that, Christian Kuntz was recently signed to the practice squad. He has collegiate experience at outside linebacker. At Duquesne University, Kuntz logged 248 tackles (71.5 for loss) and a school-record 30.5 sacks.
The Steelers will be trying out free agent outside linebackers in the coming days to add depth to their roster, but this is where it stands right now.
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