Bud Dupree hints at Ola Adeniyi being activated if he can’t play vs. the Chargers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the most sacks in the NFL, and whether you like him or not, Bud Dupree is a part of the group which is leading the pack. However, Dupree suffered a pectoral injury vs. the Denver Broncos in Week 12, and it has left the former first round pick’s status up in the air leading into Week 13.

Dupree missed practice Wednesday, and was a limited participant on Thursday — leaving his availability vs. the Los Angeles Chargers in doubt. While the final game status report hasn’t been released yet, if Dupree is unable to play he hinted at the activation of rookie Ola Adeniyi in response to his absence.

This per Jacob Klinger of Pennlive.com:

Dupree’s muscle tear was not severe enough to require surgery, he said, because he suffered the same injury in college. His recovery, he said, will simply require rest. If he has not healed enough to practice Friday and play Sunday he expects Olasunkanmi Adeniyi to be activated.

While Dupree will undergo a test on his partially torn pectoral muscle Friday morning, Adeniyi is excited about the opportunity, if it indeed presents itself.

“Yeah, I’ve been getting a lot of reps actually just to get ready and be prepared just in case something does happen,” Adeniyi said. “But regardless I was going to be practicing, I was going to still be getting reps so I could still be developing.”

Adeniyi was taken off the team’s injured reserve list last week, and the organization has just under three weeks now to make a decision on his activation. The reality of the situation is even if Dupree doesn’t play, and Adeniyi is activated, it will be Anthony Chickillo who will take Dupree’s spot opposite T.J. Watt, with Adeniyi spelling either of the two throughout the game.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Chargers on Sunday Night Football.