Steelers edge rusher Bud Dupree has torn his ACL and will miss the remainder of the year, according to Mike Garafolo and Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL.com (Twitter link). The Steelers will make it all official today by placing Dupree on the injured reserve list. 
This is exactly what fans feared when Dupree hurt his left knee on a non-contact injury in the second quarter against the Ravens. The 27-year-old was a key part of the Steelers’ success this year, notching eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and 26 total stops. Without him, they’ll be leaning even more on T.J. Watt and they’ll need more production out of third-round rookie Alex Highsmith. With middle linebacker Devin Bush also done for the year, the Steelers will have to keep their streak alive without two key members of their front seven.
The Steelers kept Dupree from the open market with a one-year franchise tender for linebackers worth $15.8MM. It’s not clear whether Dupree succeeded in getting recategorized as a defensive end to make $17.8MM, but the end result is roughly the same. Dupree is on course for free agency, and the timing of his injury is not quite ideal.
Still, Dupree turned in a strong, complete season in 2019 with a career-high 11.5 sacks — 5.5 more than his previous single-season best. Dupree figures to be one of the most sought-after free agent edge options this year, second only to Yannick Ngakoue.
4 years 70 mil 44 guaranteed
From the Steelers? Good luck fitting that under the cap. Ben has a $40M cap hit next year, over half of which cant be moved via restructure.
That’s rough, but I’m still proud of Bud for turning it around with back to back stellar years after some initial disappointment in his first few seasons
Bring back James Harrison.
I’m pretty sure that bridge is burned
Next man up. Highsmith has gotten good reviews from coaches. Will see what he can do. Was a good thing that he got 11 games under his belt to learn so hopefully will be able to pick up some slack.
Still, he won’t be as good as Dupree. Combine that with the loss of Bush and we’re hurting going into the playoffs. Went from elite to just good or very good.
Hard to see him matching Bud’s pressure numbers, but if he can finish at a higher % it could be a wash.
Kills our depth though, that’s for sure.
Him and Watt are a lethal combo. Tough blow. Hopefully it doesn’t slow down watt with more attention being able to be put on him now
Hoping that Adeniyi can kick it up and contribute some more now!