Steelers suffer blow on defense, place Bud Dupree on injured reserve

The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have one of their key pieces on defense for the foreseeable future, placing linebacker Bud Dupree on injured reserve Sunday.

Dupree, who was selected No. 22 overall last year, is set to have surgery to fix a tear in his core muscle, NFL.com reported. He started just five games last season, finishing with four sacks and 26 tackles.

The Steelers had high hopes for Dupree this season but now he won't be eligible to return to practice for at least six weeks.

Former first-round pick Jarvis Jones might be called upon to step up in Dupree's absence. The Steelers defense struggled last year, ranking 21st in points allowed and yards allowed.