Steelers’ Rookie Derrick Harmon Carted Off Field with Knee Injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Derrick Harmon, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round draft pick, left the field on a cart. He hurt his knee in the second quarter during the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Harmon, who was the 21st pick in April’s NFL Draft, went down while rushing the passer. He seemed to twist his right knee on a third-and-4 play near the Panthers’ 5-yard line.

Shortly after the injury, head coach Mike Tomlin spoke with KDKA’s Missi Matthews at halftime. He said, “I don’t have an update right now.” “He’s being evaluated,” which means the medical staff is doing more tests on the rookie defensive lineman.

Harmon was set to start with veterans Cameron Heyward and Keeanu Benton in Pittsburgh’s defensive front. If the injury keeps him out for a long time, the Steelers might rely on veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk and rookie Yahya Black to step in at defensive tackle.

The team announced that Harmon would not return to the game, ending his night after just one series. Images from the cart ride showed Harmon with a towel over his head. He looked emotional as he was taken to the locker room. We can’t determine how bad the injury is or when recovery will happen until the MRI results come in.

Pittsburgh will kick off the regular season on September 7 in New York. Harmon has a few weeks to heal, as long as the injury isn’t season-ending. The Steelers are careful with their top rookie. His versatility and speed are vital for strengthening a defense that struggled against the run in last season’s playoff loss to Baltimore.

An official update on Harmon’s condition is expected once the Steelers complete their medical evaluations.