Chickillo might be starter Sunday due to Dupree’s injury
Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree might miss the season opener for a second consecutive year. Dupree did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable for the game Sunday in Cleveland against the Browns.
Dupree showed up on the injury report Thursday with a shoulder injury and did not go through a full practice in the past two days. Anthony Chickillo, who started seven games in 2016, will start if Dupree does not play against the Browns.
“You just have to be ready for your opportunity whenever they call your number,” Chickillo said. “You have to be ready to go. I feel like I always put myself in a position that I’m ready.”
Chickillo bypassed Arthur Moats on the depth chart early in the 2016 season and started in place of Dupree when he missed the first nine games with a sports hernia. A sixthround draft pick in 2015, Chickillo recorded 2½ sacks last season, two forced fumbles and 19 tackles in 15 games.
“I feel a lot more comfortable,” he said.
“I’m in the defense another year, learning the system. I feel good. I feel like my technique is a lot better. This is the best I’ve felt since I’ve been here. I’m ready to go.”
Dupree started last season on injured reserve while he rehabilitated from sports hernia surgery. He returned to play the final seven games of the regular season and three playoff games. He had five sacks in those 10 games.
The Steelers are hoping to pair Dupree and rookie T.J. Watt as a formidable outside pass rush duo. Dupree was a Steelers firstround pick in 2015 and Watt was their first-round selection this year.
Dupree did not miss any games as a rookie. He said Thursday he planned to play, but coach Mike Tomlin rarely allows players who missed Friday practice to dress for games.
The only player ruled out for the game Sunday is second-year offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins, who missed practice this week with a knee injury.
Timmons pays a visit
Former Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons, who signed as a free agent with Miami in March, attended practice Friday and got a good reception from his former coaches and teammates.
Timmons evacuated Miami with Hurricane Irma set to touch down there this weekend. The storm weakened from a Category 5 to a still-fearsome Category 4 Friday morning with winds of 155 mph.
Timmons isn’t the only member of the Dolphins to spend the past few days in Pittsburgh. Dolphins center Mike Pouncey, twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, flew to Pittsburgh earlier in the week.
The Steelers do not play the Dolphins this season.
No. 1 pick out
Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft this year, will miss the opener against the Steelers with a high ankle sprain. He is the only player the Browns ruled out for the game.
Defensive lineman Danny Shelton, who was limited all week with a knee injury, is listed as questionable.