While Derrick Harmon’s return to practice is good news, it may be another week before the Pittsburgh Steelers put him back on the field. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo thinks the team will be careful with Harmon as he returns from an early-season foot injury.
“I don’t think so,” Fittipaldo told 93.7 The Fan’s Bob Pompeani and Joe Starkey on Friday when asked if he thought Harmon would play Sunday night in Cincinnati. “He was limited the first two days; he’s a young guy. Usually they like to put their kids through at least one full workout before they face him in a game.
“So I would be surprised if Harmon could go unless he had a full practice today or tomorrow.”
Pittsburgh opened Harmon’s 21-day window to return Wednesday and he has since been limited during the team’s two practices. The final injury report from Friday has not yet been released. It’s possible Harmon could finish the week in questionable fashion as the team continues to evaluate him. Under Mike McCarthy, Friday workouts are treated as a low-intensity tour, a chance to review the past two days, while Saturday’s session is more spirited.
The Steelers have until 4:00 p.m. EST Saturday to activate Harmon. Otherwise, he will remain on injured reserve until the weekend.
Speaking to reporters like Chris Adamski after practice, Harmon said he’ll find out tomorrow if he plays.
Harmon’s return would strengthen Pittsburgh’s defensive line, and he recorded the key sack/fumble in their Week 3 win over the Bengals. Even if Harmon doesn’t return, the defensive line has played well in his absence. Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Yahya Black formed a great trio while rookies Gabriel Rubio and Kevin Jobity Jr. provided quality depth.
At least Harmon should return no later than the Steelers’ Week 11 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. He might not be the only one. It’s possible WR Roman Wilson returns next week, when he’ll first be eligible to come off injured reserve. Michael Pittman Jr. could also make progress toward a return, although his status is less certain than that of the others.
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