If you were hoping to see Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree on the field this coming Sunday for the team’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys, prepare to be disappointed.
According to Jacob Klinger of pennlive.com, while Dupree plans to start practicing on Wednesday, he said Monday morning that he won’t be ready for the team’s game against the Cowboys.
This shouldn’t come as a big surprise as Dupree, who underwent surgery this past September to repair a core muscle in his groin, will likely need a few weeks of practice before being removed from the team’s Reserve/Injured list as the lone designated to return selection.
While Dupree has been ramping up his training over the course of the last few weeks, it’s important to remember that he essentially missed all of training camp in addition to all four of the team’s preseason games. In other words, one shouldn’t expect big contributions from him on defense when and if he’s finally deemed healthy enough to resume playing. Even Steelers linebackers coach Joey Porter said as much a few weeks ago when talking about the team’s 2015 first-round draft pick.
Sure, Dupree is destined to play on defense during the second half of the regular season, but those snaps will likely come as part of a rotation with Anthony Chickillo and Arthur Moats.
After the Steelers host the Cowboys this coming Sunday at Heinz Field, their next two games will be on the road against the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts respectively. If I had to bet, my money would be on Dupree making his 2016 debut against the Colts.
During his rookie season, Dupree registered 4 total sacks and 26 total tackles.
