Steelers Linebacker Challenges Intensify as Malik Harrison Exits with Knee Injury Against Jets
In a tense showdown during their Week 1 matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers faced a significant setback as linebacker Malik Harrison exited the game against the New York Jets due to a knee injury. The defeat of the injury bug came at a critical moment, as the Steelers narrowly clinched a 32-31 victory.
Injury Strikes at a Critical Moment
The injury unfolded in the closing stages of the game. Just after defensive lineman Cameron Heyward was escorted off the field by trainers, Harrison was seen struggling to rise after a play. He gingerly made his way to the sideline following a rushing touchdown by Justin Fields, which temporarily put the Jets ahead. The Steelers ruled Harrison out in the game’s final moments, raising concerns about the severity of his condition.
Depth Concerns for the Linebacking Corps
Harrison’s departure is particularly concerning given the Steelers’ already limited linebacker depth. With Nick Herbig sidelined due to a hamstring injury, the team’s options are dwindling. The situation is compounded by the fact that Harrison had just signed a two-year contract worth $10 million during the offseason, marking his first regular season game with Pittsburgh after a productive tenure with the Baltimore Ravens.
Harrison’s Background and Contributions
In his brief time on the field, Harrison recorded two tackles while playing only four snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The Ohio State product had an impressive collegiate career, appearing in 52 games and accumulating 205 tackles from 2016 to 2019. Drafted by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Harrison played 76 games in five seasons, amassing 174 tackles and two sacks in regular season play, in addition to contributing 23 tackles across seven playoff contests.
Now 27 years old, Harrison was expected to be a pivotal reserve for the Steelers, not only in defensive schemes but also on special teams. His potential absence raises alarms about the team’s ability to maintain defensive integrity if other players at the position fail to step up.
Looking Ahead for the Steelers
As the Steelers navigate the aftermath of this injury, the focus will be on assessing Harrison’s condition and the impact it may have on the defense moving forward. With the season just beginning, the implications of this injury could be profound, and the team will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge.
Stay tuned for updates on Harrison and the Steelers’ linebacker situation as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.
