Sometimes the smallest video on social media can still mean positive things.
In this case, it's Devin Bush posting a short video of himself playing basketball as an Instagram story Sunday:
Devin Bush playing some basketball. Looks like he is doing great. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/3MGNtKDR1t
— BlitzburghVideos ✨ (@BlitzVideos) April 4, 2021
The video doesn't show a ton, outside of the fact that Bush is able to move and put pressure on his knee that was injured back on Oct. 18 during a Steelers' win over the Browns at Heinz Field. Bush tore his ACL and would miss the rest of the season.
The Steelers felt the impact of Bush's absence even after Robert Spillane filled in and the team traded to get Avery Williamson. Bush's ability to be stout against the run and cover over the middle brought an extra dimension to the center of the defense. He finished the season with 26 tackles, two quarterback hits, a sack, and three passes defensed in just five games.
If he had maintained those numbers as averages over the course of a full season, Bush would've led the team with 83 tackles, and his nine passes defensed would've only finished behind Joe Haden's 12, Minkah Fitzpatrick's 11, and Steven Nelson's 10.
Bush's absence could easily be seen as the Steelers' run defense dipped significantly in his absence. During the five games he played, the Steelers' defense allowed an average of 66.2 rushing yards per game despite facing running backs like Saquan Barkley, Miles Sanders and Kareem Hunt. That average would've put the Steelers far above the NFL's top rushing defense in the Buccaneers, who finished allowing 80.6 yards per game.
In the eleven games Bush didn't play, the Steelers allowed an average of 132 rushing yards per game, bringing the season average up to 111.4 yards per game, which ranked 11th in the NFL.
Bush being back and healthy would be a huge step for the Steelers, and even the smallest of videos is a good sign that their defense might not have the weaknesses they had to finish the 2020 season.