Initial tests indicate Bud Dupree tore his ACL in Steelers’ win vs. Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have lost one of their best starting linebackers in Wednesday night’s matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

Given that this game was postponed twice, this is heartbreaking news. What makes it even worse is that the Steelers won on Wednesday night, continuing their 11-game win streak and remaining the league’s only undefeated team.

That said, the injury, which tests are showing is a torn ACL, happened to Bud Dupree. Almost averaging a sack per game, losing Dupree will be a crushing blow the league’s best defense.

“Initial tests on Dupree indicate a torn ACL, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Aditi Kinkhabwala reported following the game,” NFL.com’s Grant Gordon wrote.

Playing on the franchise tag, Mike Tomlin didn’t give much update on Dupree, but the outlook isn’t looking good. The 6-3, 27-year-old is playing in his sixth season in the league after being drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Steelers have playoff aspirations, and while those will be in play, they won’t be the same dynamic defense without Dupree. He was set to have career highs in numerous areas including sacks and quarterback hits.

Dupree was on the All-SEC team his junior season. He finished his junior season with the second-most tackles on the team and leading the Wildcats in tackles for loss. Dupree was a star at the collegiate level, and it’s nicely transferred to the sport’s highest level.

Dupree will be a free agent during the 2021 offseason. After this potential injury, it could be a limited market, but since he’ll likely be scheduled to make a full recovery, Dupree should be highly coveted.