Steelers activate Dupree; Heyward and Wheaton head to IR
The Steelers could have more shakeups in their outside linebacker rotation this week than just swapping James Harrison for Jarvis Jones in the starting lineup.
Outside linebacker Bud Dupree was activated off the team’s injured reserve list Saturday, meaning the 2015 first-round draft pick could see his first action of the season when the Steelers (4-5) play at Cleveland (0-10) Sunday.
Defensive end Cameron Heyward and wide receiver Markus Wheaton were placed on injured reserve, while running back Darryl Richardson was signed from the practice squad, as well.
Dupree started five out of 16 games as a rookie last season recording 26 tackles and four sacks. He had been slated to start opposite Jones heading into training camp this season but suffered a sports hernia two days into camp and had surgery to repair the injury.
His presence could help boost a Pittsburgh pass rush that will be without Heyward, its sack leader this season with three and in each of the previous two seasons. The Steelers are tied with Oakland for the fewest sacks in the NFL with 13.
Heyward suffered a pectoral injury in last week’s 35-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Wheaton, the team’s starter at wide receiver opposite Antonio Brown coming into the season, has been limited to just three games because of a shoulder injury suffered in training camp.
He’ll finish the season with four receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.
A third-round draft pick in 2013, Wheaton might have played his final game for the Steelers. He’ll be a free agent at the end of this season.
In 47 career games, he has 107 receptions for 1,508 yards and eight touchdowns.