6 options to replace Steelers’ Bush after ACL injury Sunday

Germaine Pratt

If the Steelers’ goal was to get an instant starter at the position, perhaps trading for Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt would make sense. The former second-round pick has seen the second-most snaps for them at linebacker this year, but considering the Bengals invested in a trio of linebackers in the draft, they could be willing to part with Pratt. He looks more like a buck than a mack but could fill in for Bush this season in a pinch.

He hasn’t played badly by any means for the Bengals, but they could be looking to replace him with one of the rookies they drafted. This would mean his cost would likely be higher, unfortunately, probably a third-round pick. Again, this move would provide the most relief for Bush, as Pratt could be expected to start instantly. As well, since he is on his rookie contract, he could make the switch to buck and potentially replace Vince Williams if he is cut due to cap constraints next year.

Pratt would likely have the steepest price tag of any option on this list, but he has the most long-term potential as well. While making an inner division trade wouldn’t be easy, if the Steelers offered fair value for Pratt, it could be done. The cost is a little steep, but Pratt would be an almost instant fill in this year and be a potential starter moving forward as the team potentially replaces Williams in the future.