By: Jessica Costello
SteelerNation.com
Pittsburgh Steelers' inside linebacker, Robert Spillane, got his opportunity to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but only because inside linebacker Devin Bush suffered an ACL injury.
"I just want to start this off with Devin, because Devin is a great teammate and a great person," Spillane said. "He's been one of the best teammates that I ever had. And if anyone knows Devin you know that he'll come back stronger than he's ever been before. I look forward to seeing him getting heathy on his road to recovery as we support him," Spillane said.
"The best way to support him is to leave where he left off."
With just over two minutes left in the half, Spillane had to pick up right where Bush left off.
Spillane hadn't been invited to the NFL Combine, missed being drafted and wasn't originally offered a contract as an undrafted rookie.
"You know, you're getting worried," Spillane acknowledged. "And I'd tell myself, 'Give me a call and give me a real opportunity and I'm gonna go wherever I have to go and prove that I belong and prove that I will make your team better and I will be a good teammate, earn respect from my teammates and coaches and go from there."
But he didn't skip a beat playing 30 defensive snaps (53 percent) and making five tackles (one for a loss).
Spillane is now being called "to step up," Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin said on Sunday. With a torn ACL, Bush's injury is season ending, so there's a lot more of Spillane to see.
"We'll put together a formula that will allow us to function in the interim, believe it," Tomlin emphasized.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you think Spillane can get the job done for the Steelers? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
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