New England Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez practiced in a limited fashion for the second straight day on Thursday and could make his season debut in Week 3 vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh first-round rookie Derrick Harmon, meanwhile, took part in the Steelers’ Thursday practice in a limited capacity for the second consecutive day as well and is hoping to make his NFL debut vs. New England on Sunday.
Though the defensive tackle’s game status is still up in the air, he said that he’s “ready to go.” Harmon is recovering from a sprained MCL that he suffered in the team’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.
“I’m ready to go,” he said, according to a report by Steelers.com writer Teresa Varley. “If my number’s called, I’m ready to go.”
Harmon added that he’s “very anxious” to make his debut, per Varley’s report.
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“I just want to get out there and help the team any way I can right now. Right now, my focus is trying to be prepared and make sure I’m healthy enough to get out there,” he said. “It’s been tough. First year, you want to be out there. First game, first few games, not being out there to help the team, it hurts.”
The Steelers could use the 21st overall pick’s services against the Patriots, as the team’s defense has struggled mightily through the first two contests.
Pittsburgh enters Thursday having allowed the fourth-most points per contest in the league (31.5), fourth-most yards per tilt (394.5) and fifth-most rushing yards per game (149.5).
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