Steelers Rookie Derrick Harmon Talks Rehab Plan

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Derrick Harmon plans to put maximum effort into his rehab after a preseason scare.

The first-round defensive lineman feared the worst when his knee buckled late in Thursday night’s preseason finale. Harmon explained the injury actually came one play earlier when he was clipped low, then twisted to the ground on the next snap with Carolina Panthers lineman Brandon Walton. He tried to push through but was carted off after struggling to get up.

“I thought it was serious, but it wasn’t that serious,” Harmon said, via Teresa Varley of the team website. “But still something I’ve got to be in the training room to get my rehab. That’s my focus right now — to attack rehab and do what I have to do to get back on the field.”

Head coach Mike Tomlin described the injury as a sprained knee and listed Harmon as week-to-week. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported it is an MCL sprain, likely sidelining him four to six weeks. The Steelers have opted against injured reserve, leaving the possibility he could return earlier with the season opener just over two weeks away.

Harmon confirmed no surgery is required. He said he plans to stay mentally sharp by working through the playbook while his knee recovers.

“Just staying in the playbook to stay up with game speed,” Harmon said, as transcribed by Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Veterans T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward were quick to offer encouragement on the sideline, telling the rookie to keep his spirits up. Harmon admitted frustration at the timing but has turned his focus toward recovery.

“It sucks, but it’s part of the game we play,” Harmon said. “Just got to attack this rehab.”

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