Derrick Harmon Carted Off Field with Knee Injury in Preseason Game

Derrick Harmon, the first-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers, experienced a distressing moment during his team’s final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. The 23-year-old defensive tackle was carted off the field following a concerning knee injury, visibly emotional as he left the game.

The incident occurred on Thursday night, September 7, 2023, while Harmon was engaged in play. As he was wheeled away on a cart, cameras captured the rookie fighting back tears, a towel draped over his head for privacy. He was promptly taken to the locker room for medical evaluation, and the Steelers announced that he would not return to the game.

Injury Update and Implications for the Season

Initial fears regarding the severity of Harmon’s injury were alleviated when Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ head coach, confirmed that the young player sustained a knee sprain. Further evaluations are scheduled to determine the extent of the injury and how long he may be sidelined.

Before the injury, Harmon had participated in all three of the Steelers’ preseason games. In the match against the Panthers, he recorded one tackle. His performance in the previous game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was more notable, where he achieved three tackles, including a sack. His potential absence raises questions about the Steelers’ defensive lineup as the regular season approaches in just over two weeks.

Harmon was anticipated to start alongside fellow defensive linemen Cam Heyward and Keanu Benton, making this injury particularly concerning for the Steelers’ defensive strategy.

Personal Challenges and Resilience

This injury comes during a challenging period for Harmon, who faced emotional turmoil earlier this year. In April, on the night he was drafted by the Steelers, his mother, Tiffany Saine, suffered a stroke. Tragically, she passed away shortly thereafter. In previous statements, Harmon highlighted her resilience, sharing that she had undergone multiple brain surgeries and continued to support him throughout his athletic journey.

“Just growing up, from my standpoint, my situation, I grew up with her having probably seven, eight brain surgeries. And after all those brain surgeries, she did not give up,” Harmon reflected.

As Harmon navigates the uncertainty surrounding his injury, his mother’s strength remains a source of inspiration. The Steelers organization and fans alike are hopeful for his swift recovery, as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season.