The Pittsburgh Steelers have been plagued with injuries for a few months now. In training camp and the preseason, Anthony Miller and Karl Joseph suffered season-ending injuries. While neither of those guys were starters, it certainly hurt the team's depth. Several other injuries occurred, including Calvin Austin III and Damontae Kazee heading to the IR before the regular season began.
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In Week 1, the injuries continued. TJ Watt injured his pec, as he joined Kazee and Austin on the IR, but should be back in a little over a month. The team did get some good luck with Watt and the other injuries that occurred, as everyone else, including Najee Harris, was able to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots. This time around, the Steelers walked away from the game relatively unscathed.
Devin Bush was the only guy that head coach Mike Tomlin noted to pick up an injury, as he hurt his foot in Sunday's loss. In his press conference on Monday, Tomlin acknowledged Bush's status ahead of Thursday night's game against the Cleveland Browns. In fact, he said the inside linebacker should be good to go for practice on Tuesday.
"I think he's expected to practice tomorrow [Tuesday] but as always, you guys can let practice participation be a guide in terms of his availability," Tomlin said in his press conference on Monday.
This is great news for the black and gold, as they needed a break from injuries. Bush played well in the Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, showing why he's better than Robert Spillane. Through two games, Bush has played 82 defensive snaps, just under 50% of the defense's time on the field. While this is good news for Bush's availability, Tomlin did mention that his official practice designation on Tuesday will be a telling sign.
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With it being a quick turnaround this week, the black and gold could decide to sit him out. Spillane will likely get a ton of snaps in Week 3 anyways, as the Browns possess a potent rushing attack. Seventh-round rookie Mark Robinson would likely get his first helmet if Bush doesn't play on Thursday. On the Browns side of things, they will be without at least three players, including former Steelers tight end Jesse James according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Browns’ HC Kevin Stefanski already has ruled out DE Jadeveon Clowney (ankle), DE Chase Winovich (hamstring) and TE Jesse James for Thursday night’s game vs. the Steelers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2022
Clowney's absence is huge, as the offensive line can focus more on Myles Garrett now. Additionally, it should allow for the running game to get going, as Clowney is a big presence on the front seven. The Steelers offense needs a spark after struggling mightily in the first two weeks of the 2022 season.
What are your thoughts on Devin Bush's play so far this season? Should the team be cautious and sit him this week against the Browns? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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