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The Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan base doesn’t really know what to think of inside linebacker Devin Bush. They remember a rookie season which had plenty of splash plays, and plenty of rookie mistakes, but Bush’s sophomore season ended almost as quickly as it started.
It was the Week 5 game at Heinz Field when Bush fell awkwardly to the ground on the far side of the field. He gingerly got up and never returned to the field. After the game, head coach Mike Tomin did something he never does, and labeled Bush’s injury as “significant”.
At that time, the Steelers, and their fans, knew Bush was likely done for the season. But to what extent was he injured? Bush tore his ACL in his knee, and had surgery within a week to begin the lengthy rehabilitation process.
No one has heard much of Bush throughout the 2020 season, and after, but on a call with fans via Steelers Nation Unit, Bush was asked about his rehab, and how he is progressing.
This from Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:
LB Devin Bush is on a call with @SteelersUnite members and said his rehab is going well and he is right on schedule with everything.
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) February 25, 2021
On schedule is good news for the Steelers, and their fans, but Bush went on to talk about how he is feeling stronger every week, and is aiming for Steelers Training Camp in 2021 for a potential return.
This via Joe Rutter of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Steelers ILB Devin Bush on a chat with fans, talked about his rehab: "I'm feeling stronger week by week. I’m just trying to get ready physically for next year, especially for camp."
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) February 25, 2021
While most might not have noticed Bush in his brief 2020 season, his athleticism was greatly missed on the team’s defense. Players like Robert Spillane, Avery Williamson and Vince Williams did their best to replace Bush’s absence, but none of the aforementioned players have the skill, speed and athleticism of Bush.
Having a Devin Bush on the field helps neutralize so many aspects of the opposition, and allows players like Williams, to do what they do best...make plays in the backfield and in the run game.
Without Bush in the lineup, you saw the inside linebackers get picked on similarly to what offenses did in 2017 when Ryan Shazier was lost in December due to a spinal injury. Luckily for the Steelers, and the defense, Bush is on track to re-joining the team next season, and that will immediately improve an already stout defense.
Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.
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