The Pittsburgh Steelers played most of their starters on defense in the final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Most of them only played one series, which lasted eight plays as the Panthers marched 52 yards, thanks to some penalties and poor tackling, to put a field goal on the board.
In the process, the Steelers are now left with a major question on the defensive line. First-round pick Derrick Harmon was carried off the sideline on the cart to the locker room with medical staff.
Harmon was shown on the Steelers’ broadcast on the cart with a towel over his head. According to reports, Harmon injured his knee and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, but no further details on his injury are available yet.
Derrick Harmon's strong start with the Pittsburgh Steelers halted by concerning injury exit
Harmon has been impressive from the jump for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former Oregon Duck was immediately inserted into the starting lineup alongside veterans Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton. So far this preseason, he’s recorded four tackles and a sack.
Certainly, the hope is that Harmon’s injury isn’t too serious. The Steelers' depth on the defensive line, while improved, is still largely comprised of new faces like fifth-round rookie Yahya Black and free agent Daniele Ekuale.
Black has impressed in his own right this summer and figures to be the next man up on the defensive line for Harmon if he misses extended time. As for the remainder of the preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers, the Steelers can turn to Isaiahh Loudermilk and Logan Lee for extended snaps.
Harmon’s injury history isn’t too extensive, though it was a cause for his slip to the Steelers at No. 21 overall in the NFL Draft. However, that was for a partially torn rotator cuff and labrum that was revealed at the NFL Combine.
The Steelers have become all too familiar with devastating rookie injuries. In recent seasons, Troy Fautanu, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, and Cory Trice Jr. have all missed extended time during their rookie seasons.
We’ll continue to monitor Harmon’s injury as more information becomes available.