Devin Bush fully recovered from ACL tear, expected to be fully cleared to return to practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers reported to their training camp at the team’s South Side UPMC Rooney Sports Complex Wednesday, and outside of everyone showing up they received some tremendous news.

No, it wasn’t the acquisition or trade of another player, it was the fact inside linebacker Devin Bush has healed enough he is deemed fully recovered from his ACL injury last season.

This per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Not just getting Bush back, but having him back fully healthy is a huge boost for the Steelers defense. In fact, our own Kevin Smith just analyzed how Bush’s simple presence on the field can impact what the Steelers do on defense. Check out the link below:

Bush only appeared in five games in 2020 as he was injured halfway through the Steelers Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. In his roughly 4.5 games, Bush had three passes defensed, 1.0 sacks, two quarterback hits, and 26 tackles. But she was targeted 22 times in the passing game allowed 14 completions for 63.6% rate according to Pro Football Reference. Although only accounting for one sack himself, the Steelers averaged 4.8 sacks in games in which Bush appeared versus 2.91 sacks in games where he was not on the field due to his season-ending injury.

Bush’s return, combined with the addition of Melvin Ingram, has fans thinking this 2021 Steelers defense could be special. If Ingram and and Bush prove anything it is how important health is to the overall success of a defense. The Pittsburgh defense will again be considered one of the best in the NFL if they are able to avoid those gut-wrenching injuries which end players’ seasons prematurely.

On Day 1 the Steelers already are receiving good news, let’s hope that trend continues throughout training camp and the preseason.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the 2021 regular season.