Steelers LB Devin Bush tears ACL in win over Browns

The Steelers defense will be tested with the injury to Devin Bush

While the Pittsburgh Steelers may have won on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, their defense could be taking a bigger loss for the remainder of the year.

Following further evaluation, ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed Steelers linebacker Devin Bush suffered a torn ACL in the 38-7 victory over the Browns Sunday afternoon. The second-year defender will require surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

Late in the second quarter Bush would leave the game after trying to make a tackle on running back D’Ernest Johnson. In what was a non-contact injury, he would land awkwardly on his left knee, grabbing it as he fell towards the ground. Bush would need help from the Steelers medical staff towards the tent before eventually heading into the locker room for further testing.

Statistics don’t show how important Bush is to the Steelers

Bush, the team’s first-round pick from 2019, has become a staple of the Steelers defense for more than just his leadership. Prior to his injury, the former Michigan product had yet to miss a snap all year, and was the play-caller in Keith Butler’s defense.

For the Steelers, there were already massive concerns at a position that has been plagued with injuries in the Steel City since Ryan Shazier’s career-ending injury. Vince Williams has seen the majority of snaps outside of Bush, tallying at least 75% of plays. Robert Spillane, who came in as a replacement for the second half, only saw eight snaps on the season before playing. Should Pittsburgh be desperate, the team could use safety Marcus Allen as “money backer” similar to the role of former starter Mark Barron in 2019.

In five games for Pittsburgh, Bush tallied 21 tackles, three pass deflections and half a sack. Last season, the standout rookie finished with 109 tackles, four fumble recoveries, two interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

The Steelers, thanks primarily to defensive play, are 5-0 for the first time since 1978.