Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (knee) was a full practice participant on Friday after being limited on Thursday and Wednesday. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Harmon declared on Wednesday that he’s ready to return after missing the first two games due to a MCL sprain suffered in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.
“I’m ready to go,” Harmon said. “If my number is called, I’m ready to go.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference that Harmon was questionable for Sunday’s game.
It’s been tough for the first-rounder out of Oregon to sit the first two games, but facing adversity is something that he’s used to.
“It’s been tough,” Harmon said. “Your first year you want to be out there. First game, first few games not being out there to help the team, it hurts.
“I’ve been through a lot in my life, so emotionally I feel like I’m battle tested. Nothing too much can test me. Right now, by biggest focus is getting out there and helping this team win games.”
The Steelers once again got gashed on the ground in Sunday’s 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle rushed for 117 yards on 29 carries (4.0 average). Kenneth Walker III led the Seahawks with 105 yards rushing on 13 carries for a whopping 8.1 average and a touchdown.
It’s the second straight week that the Steelers have allowed over 100 yards rushing. The New York Jets racked up 182 yards (4.7 average) in Week 1.
Overall, the Steelers defense has left a lot to be desired in the first two weeks.
The Steelers have allowed 31+ points in the first two weeks of a season for the first time since 1989. Last year, the defense allowed 30 points twice all season.
Getting back Harmon should provide a big boost for the ailing defense. If Harmon can’t make his NFL debut, rookie Yahya Black is expected to start. Logan Lee, Daniel Ekuale and DeMarvin Leal will provide depth.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Could Get Big Boost on Defensive Line vs. Patriots
