The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their final preseason game last night with a win against the Panthers. No one is celebrating that game, though, as the team had a massive injury scare when first-round pick Derrick Harmon was carted off the field.
On a passing play, Harmon used his power to bully his offensive lineman back into the pocket. Unfortunately, legs got tangled, and Harmon went down after twisting his knee.
For a while, it looked like Harmon was going to be lost for the season.
Early reports have been less severe. Harmon will miss some time, but he will likely be back within a few weeks. If he does land on injured reserve, he should be expected back shortly after the mandatory four-week waiting period.
The Steelers, meanwhile, will need to plan for the possibility of being without him early in the season. While the team as a whole will be worse off without the talented rookie, Logan Lee figures to be the main winner of the untimely injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be forced to keep Logan Lee
Steelers fans have been quick to speculate that Yahya Black is the main benefactor of this injury, as he can plug in and start in his place.
That likely won’t be the case. While Black can see an expanded role earlier, Daniel Ekuale will almost certainly be the base defense replacement. He has played base end in the past and can easily take on 40-50 percent of the defensive snaps there.
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Likewise, the defense could use Keeanu Benton as an end and let Ekuale serve as the base nose tackle. Either way, those three will be your starters, with Black likely the top backup. An upgraded role from before, but still not a starter in any way.
Lee, meanwhile, was squarely on the roster bubble. His biggest highlight of the preseason was stepping in as a long snapper when Christian Kuntz was injured. His path to the roster has just opened up.
While he was never a certain cut, it seemed like a numbers game for Lee. Keep six like the Steelers traditionally do, and he is out. Keep seven as they have in recent years, and he is in. With Harmon likely to miss some of the regular season, it seems far more likely that the defense keeps seven to start.
Had Harmon been lost for the season, this team would have likely scrambled to find a veteran replacement. Missing the first four weeks won’t necessitate further helping Lee’s cause.
While the injury to Harmon is unfortunate, it does open the door for Lee to make this team. From there, he will have to prove that he is worth the spot once Harmon heals up. That said, he is the biggest winner from this disappointing outcome.