PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon likely to miss the opener, but could be back before the New England game as the Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reports an MRI confirmed Harmon has an MCL sprain.
Typically, that would keep a player out 4-6 weeks. The Steelers opener is September 7, followed by Seattle at home on September 14 before going to Foxboro and then the trip to Ireland the following week.
Because of the short-term prognosis, Dulac reports Harmon will not be placed on injured reserve. Harmon suffered the reported sprain Thursday during the final preseason game. The defensive lineman left on a cart, but did walk out in the second half to rejoin his teammates on the bench.
The 21st overall selection in this year's NFL Draft has been projected to be a starter on the defensive line since the beginning of the offseason. Keeping him on the roster means a combination of rookie Yahya Black and veterans like Isaiahh Loudermilk would take his snaps the first couple of weeks. Early in training camp the Steelers lost veteran defensive lineman Dean Lowry for the season due to an injury.
Steelers return to practice on Saturday with final roster cuts on Tuesday.
