Rookie pick Derrick Harmon from the Steelers is facing a week-to-week recovery due to a knee injury.
Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Defensive Tackle Derrick Harmon Suffers Knee Injury
Derrick Harmon, the Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie defensive tackle and the 21st overall pick in the NFL draft, sustained a knee injury during a preseason game against Carolina. The injury occurred early in the second quarter, causing Harmon to be carted off the field.
Harmon initially tweaked his right knee on a 1-yard run by Carolina's Raheem Blackshear. On the following snap, Harmon was engaged with Panthers right tackle Branden Walton when his right foot briefly appeared to get caught, twisting his knee. An MRI revealed that Harmon is dealing with a knee sprain.
Coach Mike Tomlin described the nearing cutdown day as a "really good time." However, the injury to Harmon has added a layer of uncertainty to the Steelers' roster. Tomlin has not specified who will replace Harmon during his absence, but Yahya Black, a rookie defensive tackle, is one of the first options to fill in.
Harmon had been impressive during his first training camp with the Steelers, collecting a sack in a Week 2 preseason victory over Tampa Bay. His performance had put him in a position to make his first NFL start when Pittsburgh opens the season against the New York Jets on Sept. 7.
Despite the setback, Harmon expressed frustration over his injury during the last preseason game. He was excited to compete at a high level in the regular season. Yahya Black, on the other hand, has also shown promise, picking up a sack early in the third quarter. His celebration of the sack involved rubbing his stomach, which brought laughter from the sideline, including Harmon.
Tomlin declined to speculate on whether the team will place Harmon on injured reserve. He characterized Harmon's injury as "week to week." Several other Steelers players, including Jonnu Smith, Calvin Austin III, Juan Thornhill, and Cory Trice, are also dealing with injuries as the cutdown day approaches.
The player who could be ready as a replacement for Derrick Harmon during his injury break in the 2023 NFL season is Isaiah Bond, whom the Cleveland Browns signed. Bond is a versatile player who can play both defensive end and tackle, making him a potential candidate to fill in for Harmon.
Despite the injury, the Steelers remain optimistic about their chances in the upcoming season. Harmon's teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and dedication, describing him as well-conditioned, high-energy, and a good communicator. The Steelers will look to these qualities to guide them as they navigate through the upcoming season.
