Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Yahya Black will start in week three despite Derrick Harmon making his debut this week in New England.
Despite Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon set to make his regular season debut, it appears Pittsburgh will slowly roll it this week. Rookie fifth-round pick Yahya Black will start in the base defense against the New England Patriots.
Black, who was selected from Iowa, has shown strong ability and contributed early so far. After a strong preseason, he has been in the rotation through the first two weeks of the season.
After Isaiahh Loudermilk suffered an injury that landed him on injured reserve this week, Black takes his spot. Harmon should still get opportunities this week as he sees his first action since his MCL sprain in preseason.
Through two weeks of play, Black has recorded two pressures and one run stop according to Pro Football Focus tracking. He has lined up primarily in the B-Gap and has been situationally placed in the traditional nose tackle alignment five times thus far.
After having 24 total snaps in week one, Black had to step in for Loudermilk last week and played a total of 40 snaps. With Harmon returning to action, his snap count may fall between the first two weeks.
The Steelers play in Foxboro at 1 PM as they look to get their defense on track after a dreadful two weeks.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie Defensive Lineman Makes First Career Start
