The Pittsburgh Steelers are faced with another key injury on the defensive line. After rookie first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon suffered a sprained MCL during Thursday's preseason game, Keeanu Benton is dealing with an upper-body injury, confirmed by PennLive's Nick Farabaugh.
Benton is in his third season with the Steelers. He's played in 23 games, racking up 72 combined tackles, two sacks and eight passes defended since being selected No. 49 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. He approached this offseason differently than he had his other two in black and gold, hoping for results.
"I feel like it was just a little bit more structured," Benton said before training camp began last month. "I know how my body reacts to certain things, so I feel like I had a good plan this year."
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Keeanu Benton at practice on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Benton figures to play a major role on the Steelers' defensive front this season. Veteran Cam Heyward has been practicing despite wanting a new deal and Harmon could be out for a month with his injury.
Yahya Black , Daniel Ekuale and Logan Lee are the depth players who could see an expanded role as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup on the road with the New York Jets . Black has impressed as a late-round draft pick and had back-to-back sacks on Thursday against the Panthers and made headlines for his belly-rubbing celebration.
"To be honest with you, no," Black answered when asked if the celebration was planned. "It's whatever came natural. The belly rub was it. … Free the gut, man. Always."
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Dealing With Another Defensive Line Injury
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