Pittsburgh Steelers ' first-round pick Derrick Harmon , who suffered a knee injury in Saturday night's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers , was diagnosed with an MCL sprain, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He's expected to be out about a month, which makes him a candidate to begin the year on injured reserve.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed after Thursday night's 19-10 win over the Panthers that Harmon sustained a "knee sprain of some description" and was being evaluated.
Harmon was carted off the field after a trip into the blue tent during the second quarter of the team's preseason game against the Panthers. He was ruled out shortly after.
Steelers Nation got a sigh of relief once the KDKA broadcast spotted Harmon smiling and laughing on the bench with Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt in the fourth quarter of Thursday night's game. Harmon was able to walk to the sideline on his own.
Harmon was checked for the injury after the Steelers' defense forced Jack Plummer into an interception, thwarting a 9-play, 38-yard march. On that play, Harmon powered through a block by Panthers rookie guard Luke Kandra , then was met by offensive tackle Brandon Walton , who dumped Harmon onto the ground in what looked to be a twisting fashion. Plummer threw an ill-advised pass James Pierre 's way in the end zone.
Harmon figures to see major playing time on the defensive line beside veteran Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton . Fellow rookie defensive lineman Yahya Black has also turned heads in training camp and the preseason, so the big man out of Iowa could step up in Harmon's absence.
The Steelers' first four games are against the New York Jets , Seattle Seahawks , New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings .
If Harmon is put on short term IR, he'll have to miss at least the first four games of the season. The Steeler have a bye in Week 5 after their trip to Ireland.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Get Injury Diagnosis on Derrick Harmon
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