Mike Tomlin: ‘To Be Determined’ if Devin Bush Will Start

UNITY TWP., Pa — Devin Bush did not have the training camp that everyone wanted. Even if his comments earlier this week made the airwaves and tug at some grievances, Bush still has pedigree on his side. After all, Bush is a former Top-10 draft pick who grew up in football bloodlines. In other words, the Steelers have a roadmap for guys they draft and like, and Bush fits that map beautifully.

Still, Bush and Robert Spillane have been deadlocked in a camp battle. While many will simply look at the co-starters label on the depth chart as just another thing to overlook and move past, it does matter. It matters even more because Spillane had made some serious splash in training camp while Bush has faded into the background. After a down game against Seattle, Bush’s stock seemingly dropped even more.

So, when Mike Tomlin was asked if Bush would be the three-down linebacker across from Myles Jack, the answer he gave was not the most encouraging for Bush. Two years ago, there was no question whether Bush would start, now, it seems as if that is up in the air.

“To be determined,” Tomlin said when asked. “But I like the work that those guys have given us.”

That is, at the very least, a half-good answer for Bush. The inside linebackers aside from Jack seemingly have been the biggest question mark on the Steelers’ defense. At times, Spillane makes splash plays, but he gives up plenty of them in coverage. Meanwhile, Bush has not done much.

However, understand that Bush means a lot to this defense. The Steelers would likely prefer him to be the starter. Again, that is where that pedigree arises itself. Devin Bush has the talent in spades. It is about if the talent can translate onto the field in a meaningful manner. The clock is ticking for that to come from Bush, and if it does not, the Steelers may have to end up looking elsewhere.