The Pittsburgh Steelers received some much-needed good news after rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon suffered a knee injury during Thursday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Initial reports suggested that the injury could be a major setback for the promising young player, but an MRI revealed that it was only a sprained MCL.
This is a huge relief for the Steelers, who were counting on Harmon to make an impact on their defense this season. The 22-year-old was drafted in the fourth round out of Auburn University and had been impressing coaches and teammates with his athleticism and work ethic.
The injury occurred in the second quarter of the game when Harmon was hit by a Panthers offensive lineman while trying to make a tackle. He immediately went down and was unable to put any weight on his left leg. The team’s medical staff rushed onto the field and quickly determined that he needed to be carted off for further evaluation.
The sight of Harmon being taken off the field on a cart was a scary one for Steelers fans, who have seen their fair share of injuries in recent years. But fortunately, the MRI results showed that the injury was not as serious as initially feared. A sprained MCL typically takes 2-4 weeks to heal, which means that Harmon should be back on the field in time for the regular season opener.
This is great news for the Steelers, as Harmon was expected to play a significant role in their defensive line rotation. He had been impressing coaches with his quickness off the line and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His versatility also made him a valuable asset, as he could play both defensive end and tackle.
The Steelers have been dealing with injuries on the defensive side of the ball throughout training camp, so the news of Harmon’s relatively minor injury is a huge relief. Star linebacker T.J. Watt has been dealing with a hamstring injury, while fellow linebacker Devin Bush has been sidelined with a groin injury. The team is also without veteran defensive end Stephon Tuitt, who is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle.
With all these injuries, the Steelers were counting on Harmon to step up and make an impact on the field. And while his injury is certainly a setback, it is not a season-ending one. This means that he will still have plenty of time to get acclimated to the team and make an impact once he returns to full health.
In the meantime, the Steelers will have to rely on their depth to fill the void left by Harmon’s absence. Players like Chris Wormley, Isaiah Buggs, and Henry Mondeaux will have to step up and prove that they can be reliable contributors on the defensive line.
But the good news is that Harmon’s injury is not as serious as initially feared, and he should be back on the field in no time. This is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft, as he has been putting in extra hours in the weight room and film room to prepare for his rookie season.
The Steelers have high hopes for Harmon, and this injury will not derail his promising start with the team. In fact, it may even motivate him to come back stronger and more determined to make an impact on the field. The team and its fans can rest easy knowing that they have a talented and resilient player in Derrick Harmon, and his return to the field will be eagerly awaited.
