6 options to replace Steelers’ Bush after ACL injury Sunday

Nigel Bradham

Another former Eagle could provide the Steelers with an adequate Bush replacement. Veteran Nigel Bradham is currently a member of the Broncos practice squad, but if the Steelers act fast, he could be added to the active roster before he is protected. While he is older at 31 years old, he has proven to be an adequate coverage linebacker during his career.

In his past two seasons, he has allowed a QB rating of 100.1 and 82.8 when being targeted, which was similar to what Bush was doing this year. While not a great number, this is more than enough to succeed as a linebacker. While his athleticism has likely decreased with age, it should be noted that Bradham lit up the combine in 2012 when he participated and could show some of that speed on the field when he plays.

The biggest downside to Bradham is that as a practice squad player, he would have to be signed to the active roster for at least three weeks. This means he couldn’t be signed to the practice squad like Kendricks could be as he learns the defense before moving up to the active roster. That said, once he learns the system, he could be a valuable depth player who takes over at linebacker during passing downs. The window will likely be short as the Broncos can protect him, but he would make a lot of sense in a Steelers’ uniform going forward.