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Tests on Bud Dupree’s left knee have confirmed an ACL tear, ending the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the linebacker season, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Dupree appeared to injure his knee during a non-contact play in the second half of Wednesday’s 19-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Playing on the one-year franchise tag, Dupree will be a free agent after this season. He continued his 2019 breakout campaign with another major effort this season, registering eight sacks, two forced fumbles and 26 tackles. Along with TJ Watt, Dupree was a founding member of the Steelers passing rush.
Steelers tight end Eric Ebron tweeted his best wishes to Dupree on Thursday, writing that he was “with a heavy heart, but I know you are going to attack rehabilitation / treatment and be back 100 times better.”
I love my heavy hearted brudda but I know you will tackle the rehabilitation / treatment and be back 100 times better. @Bud_Dupree pic.twitter.com/cxIABkDanb
– Eric Ebron (@ Ebron85) December 3, 2020
Replacing Dupree will not be easy. Rookie Alex Highsmith, the Steelers’ third-round pick, is the best candidate to fill his role.
Dupree is the second defensive starter for the Steelers to suffer such an injury. Middle linebacker Devin Bush tore his ACL against the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.
News of Dupree’s test results was first reported by the NFL Network.
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