The Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker core seems to be getting thinner with each game they play. After losing key starter Bud Dupree to a torn ACL against Baltimore Ravens last week, the Steelers will now also be without linebacker Robert Spillane, who got hurt in Monday’s loss to Washington.
Spillane is reportedly dealing with a left knee injury, and the team expects him to miss several weeks. However, the 24-year-old player won’t need surgery and should return before the 2020 NFL season wraps up.
This is a further blow for Pittsburgh’s defense, considering Spillane was having a very solid year. He had one interception returned for a touchdown in 2020, while also contributing with 56 tackles, two sacks, and four pass deflections.
Prior to losing Dupree and Spillane, Steelers were already missing All-Pro linebacker Devin Bush, who is out for the season after suffering an ACL injury early in the season. They also can’t count on backup Ulysees Gilbert, with the 2019’s sixth-round pick landing on the injured reserve in November.
Pittsburgh will now most likely turn to veteran Avery Williamson, who arrived from the NY Jets before the trade deadline. Williamson has only played on 81 snaps for the Steelers so far, recording 12 tackles. However, this may be a solid opportunity for him to prove his worth.
