Steelers think Bud Dupree tore his ACL in crushing loss for defense
By Scott Rogust
After finally playing their Week 12 game, the Pittsburgh Steelers fear that they lost Bud Dupree for the season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally put their Week 12 game against the Baltimore Ravens in the books on Wednesday after the date was postponed four times. Despite a late surge from the Ravens, the Steelers held on to win 19-14 to extend their record to 11-0 on the season. However, that did come at a price as edge rusher Bud Dupree left the game in the fourth quarter with a non-contact knee injury. It looked bad, and we can officially fear the worst.
According to Mike Garafolo and Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Media, the Steelers conducted initial tests and they indicated that Dupree suffered a torn ACL. There will be tests to confirm, but the expectation is that Dupree, an unrestricted free agent following this season, is done for the year.
Initial tests on #Steelers LB Bud Dupree indicate a torn ACL, sources tell me and @AKinkhabwala. Tests coming to confirm but the team expects him to be lost for the reason. Crushing for the team and Dupree, who is playing on the franchise tag and is slated to be a free agent.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 3, 2020
Dupree’s injury could have effects on his free agency
Prior to the start of the 2020 league year, the Steelers opted to place the franchise tag on Dupree after a 68 tackle, 11.5 sack 2019 campaign. It was a wise move for Pittsburgh, as they wanted to keep their vaunted pass rushing duo of Dupree and T.J. Watt intact for at least one more season.
Entering the unprecedented Wednesday afternoon game, Dupree recorded 26 total tackles, 15 quarterback hits, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. During that game, Dupree tallied five tackles (two for loss) before exiting the game with the knee injury.
Dupree was on pace to become the most sought after pass rusher on the open market next year. That could change drastically if he undergoes major knee surgery.
The Steelers are making the playoffs this year, and have their undefeated season still in play because of their dominant defense. They lost linebacker Devin Bush earlier this season with a torn ACL, but they’ve managed to keep up the production. Now with Dupree likely done for the year, it could have a significant impact on the Steelers’ quest to make the Super Bowl for the first time in 10 years.
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