Steelers linebacker woes deepen as Malik Harrison exits with knee injury in narrow victory over Jets

Date:

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.

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

Matthew Stafford stuns fans with wild Dodger game tale

Matthew Stafford captivates fans with unforgettable Dodger game experience Los...

Steelers’ injury crisis explodes with star players sidelined before Colts showdown

Steelers Face Injury Crisis Ahead of Colts Showdown The injury...

Lamar Jackson explodes back into Ravens lineup for epic Dolphins showdown!

Lamar Jackson makes triumphant return for Ravens vs. Dolphins The...

Drake Maye obsession ignites Patriots social media frenzy: Meet the fan behind the buzz

Drake Maye Buzz Sparks Patriots Social Media Frenzy As the...

Colts ready to smash 16-year Pittsburgh curse with victory over Steelers at Acrisure Stadium

Colts Aim to Break 16-Year Pittsburgh Drought The Indianapolis Colts...

Colts-Steelers showdown erupts in high-stakes AFC clash at Acrisure Stadium

Colts-Steelers showdown ignites high-stakes AFC clash at Acrisure Stadium The...

C.J. Gardner Johnson shocks fans with unexpected move from Ravens to new team

C.J. Gardner-Johnson's Surprise Departure from Ravens In a surprising turn...

Jerry Jones’ unrealistic expectations explode as Cowboys face pivotal trade deadline decisions

Jerry Jones' Expectations Clash with Reality as Cowboys Approach...