The Pittsburgh Steelers had reason to be concerned when first-round pick Derrick Harmon was carted off to the locker room on Thursday night with what the team described as a knee injury. But they received some pretty good news on Friday when it was revealed that the injury was not quite as bad as it initially looked.
Harmon is dealing with a sprained MCL that is going to keep him out for about a month, but it is not a season-ender.
Given that timeline, he may miss the team’s first three games of the season against the New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
The Steelers drafted Harmon in the hopes that he could help bring some much-needed youth and upside to a defensive line that badly needed some depth. The Steelers were absolutely dominated in their playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, allowing more than 300 rushing yards. It was a humbling game for a team that prides itself on defense and stopping the run, and the defensive line became a huge priority in the offseason.
Harmon will still have an opportunity to make an impact this season, but they will have to wait a little longer to see it.
What makes it an even bigger concern is that the team’s best defensive lineman, Cam Heyward, is dealing with a contract dispute that has prevented him from participating in training camp practices. His availability for the season-opener remains in question.
If Heyward sits out, and Harmon is sidelined with an injury, that is going to put a huge dent in the team’s defensive line.
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