Steelers pass rusher Bud Dupree to miss rest of season with torn ACL
The Steelers' win against the Ravens Wednesday came at a hefty price, as Pittsburgh has lost pass rusher, Bud Dupree, for the season after he tore his ACL during the game.
Dupree was hurt late in the game and the Steelers immediately feared that the injury would take one of their best defenders off the field for the rest of the year. Dupree has proven to be one of the league's best pass rushers, racking up eight in 11 games this season and helping Pittsburgh become one of the NFL's elite defenses as they remain the lone undefeated team.
With this season done, Dupree will begin focusing on the offseason, where he could become one of the marquee free agents unless the Steelers decide to tag him again or sign him to a long-term deal. Dupree was signed to the franchise tag by the Steelers in April, earning him $15.8 million. The two sides were unable to work out a longer contract before the deadline, leaving the door open for Dupree to head elsewhere this offseason.
The Steelers will now have the difficult task of figuring out how to not lose a step without Dupree, as he and T.J. Watt were the league's best pass-rushing duo this season, sacking the quarterback a combined 19.5 times. Pittsburgh currently leads the league in sacks, which has been a huge part of the team's success. If the Steelers take a step back with Dupree sidelined, it could threaten their status as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
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