PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers first-round choose Derrick Harmon mentioned Saturday he initially feared the MCL sprain that took him out of the preseason finale was “severe.”
“Most positively,” Harmon mentioned, requested if he was relieved on the analysis. “I believed it was severe, but it surely wasn’t as severe. However nonetheless one thing [to] get rehab on and that is what my important focus is correct now, is simply to assault rehab and do what I’ve obtained to to get again on the sector and assist the group.”
Harmon, chosen No. 21 total in April, echoed coach Mike Tomlin’s earlier timeline that the defensive deal with is “week-to-week.” Relying on the diploma of severity, MCL sprains can take from a number of weeks to a month to heal. With the season opener nonetheless two weeks away, Harmon may keep away from touchdown on short-term injured reserve.
Harmon, who added he does not want surgical procedure, mentioned the harm occurred when he was hit within the knee in a play earlier than he left the sector. He mentioned he tried to play by means of it however determined he wanted to get it checked out. That is when he exited to the locker room on a cart with a towel over his head and a forlorn look on his face.
“I did not know what it was on the time, that is why I used to be so in that temper, in that head house,” he mentioned.
Harmon returned to the sideline by the fourth quarter and was laughing alongside teammates Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt on the bench.
“Actually simply do not get an excessive amount of in my head, man,” Harmon mentioned of their message. “Damage is a part of this sport and at this stage is a part of what we do. So simply attempting to maintain my hopes up and hold me mentally ready and mentally targeted.
“I used to be nonetheless in that head house, however as soon as I obtained subsequent to my teammates, they cheered me up man. They advised me get out of my head and that is what they actually telling me. In order that’s why I used to be laughing like that.”
Harmon acknowledged his frustration with the timing of the harm coming after a powerful coaching camp the place he was a starter on the line of defense.
“Positively annoyed, man,” he mentioned. “Final preseason and actually excited to get on the market in an everyday season and compete at a excessive stage . And it sucks, but it surely’s a part of the sport we play. So simply obtained to assault this rehab.”
