Behind the Steel Curtain
The Steelers are getting closer to gaining some defensive depth as midseason approaches. Head coach Mike Tomlin provided updates on linebacker Malik Harrison and cornerback Cory Trice Jr., both currently on injured reserve, in his Tuesday press conference.
Harrison, a former Raven who was signed to a two-year deal this offseason, went on IR following a knee injury in Week 1. The Steelers opened his 21-day practice window on Oct. 13, meaning he has just under two weeks left to be activated to the team’s roster.
“He’s working,” Tomlin said on Tuesday when asked if the team was close to activating Harrison. “He’s at that stage, in that 21-day window where he’s working. We’re just going to watch his work and let the quality of his work be our guide whether or not we consider him.”
Harrison was limited in practice ahead of the Steelers’ Thursday Night Football matchup against the Bengals. Although he wasn’t activated, he was listed as questionable leading up to the game.
Harrison is a run-stuffing linebacker with experience on both defense and special teams.
Tomlin also provided an update on Trice, who opened the season in IR with a hamstring injury, affirming that the young cornerback was close to returning to practice. Unlike Harrison, Trice’s 21-day window has not been opened yet.
Trice has shown promise throughout his career but has struggled with injuries. Since being drafted in 2023, he’s appeared in just six NFL games.
After placing safety and special teams Miles Killebrew on injured reserve, the Steelers have an open spot on their 53-man roster. They also have an open practice squad spot following the release of quarterback Logan Woodside.
