The Steelers closed out the preseason with a 19-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.
One of the big stories coming out of the game was an injury to first round draft pick Derrick Harmon in the first half, an injury that Coach Mike Tomlin said was a knee sprain following the game. While Harmon was carted off the field, he returned to the sideline in the fourth quarter, sitting on the bench between teammates.
"Had a couple of injuries of note," said Tomlin. "Derrick Harmon's got a got a knee sprain of some description. He's being evaluated. Brandon Johnson's got foot injury of some description. He's also been evaluated.
"Those are two significant injuries, some other bumps and bruises associated with play, but nothing of note at this point other than those two."
Mason Rudolph started at quarterback, playing a little more than a quarter, completing six of eight passes for 36 yards and one interception.
Skylar Thompson came off the bench and had another strong week, completing 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards, a touchdown and a quarterback rating of 141.0. Logan Woodside finished out the game, completing four of six passes for 38 yards.
Rookie kicker Ben Sauls connected on four field goals, including a 50-yard, showing what he is capable of in the NFL.
One negative in the game was the number of penalties that plagued the Steelers, as they were called for 13 for 104 yards.
"It's good to get a win," said Tomlin. "There was some good. There's a lot of things that you don't like to be quite honest with you. I thought we were highly penalized. We turned the ball over there early. The tackling was shaky at best at times. I think they had 100 yards rushing at the half and that's just kind of indicative of how poor the tackling was at times.
"So, we've got some things to work on, but it's going to do that with the victory. That's why you step into stadiums, to win.
Really happy for Ben Sauls. The work he was able to show us tonight, good for him."
Unlike the first two games, the Steelers played more of their starters against the Panthers, including the secondary, who Coach Mike Tomlin wanted to see work on their communication before the regular season begins. The starting secondary only saw action on one possession, before Tomlin pulled them to give others work.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 3 preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (85) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense huddles during a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston (5) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams (85) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Malik Harrison (50) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26), Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Daryl Porter (39) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end JJ Galbreath (87) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls (29) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (3) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Ben Sauls (29) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Doug Nester (72) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers special team coordinator Danny Smith and Pittsburgh Steelers vice president of technology Scott Phelps during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Lew Nichols (35) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (78) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (91) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof (45) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Taylor Banner / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Kyler Baugh (65) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Jake McQuaide (48) and Pittsburgh Steelers guard Max Scharping (64) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Eku Leota (53) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Kyler Baugh (65) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Logan Woodside (6) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Logan Lee (91) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (72) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers fans during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers, on Thursday August 21, 2025 in Charlotte, NC. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Five players were ruled out by Tomlin in the days leading up to the game including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, receiver DK Metcalf, guard Isaac Seumalo, linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive end Cameron Heyward.
Kaleb Johnson took the opening kickoff 22 yards to the Steelers 30-yard line, but a penalty on Quindell Johnson pushed them back 10 yards to the 20-yard line to start the game.
Rudolph started for the third straight week, but this time he had several new weapons, with running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth playing for the first time in the preseason. On the first offensive play, center Zach Frazier was called for holding, setting the Steelers up with a first-and-20 at the 10-yard line. Rudolph was under pressure, scrambling for only a three-yard gain. Rudolph hit Warren over the middle for a 12-yard gain, but he fumbled, and Roman Wilson was able to jump on the ball to maintain possession.
After being hurt by penalties, the Steelers benefited from one when Lathan Ransom was called for a 13-yard pass interference penalty on a pass attempt to Freiermuth. Kenneth Gainwell took it five yards to the Steelers 43-yard line, but a 24-yard gain on the ensuing play was negated by a holding call on Freiermuth. On second-and-13, Rudolph found Lance McCutcheon for 15 yards to move the chains to midfield. The offense was stopped there. Warren was hit for a one-yard loss, and Rudolph's third down pass to Freiermuth only accounted for five yards, forcing a punt.
Cameron Johnston got the first shot of the night in the battle for punter, hitting a 33-yard punt to the Panthers 13-yard line. After a 10-yard return, the Panthers took over at their own 23-yard line. A defensive offsides call on DeMarvin Leal gave the Panthers a first-and-five, and Trevor Etienne broke free down the left sideline for a 28-yard gain. Quarterback Jack Plummer hit Raheem Blackshear for a seven-yard gain, and Blackshear took it up the middle for a five-yard gain. The Panthers got a big break after Etienne was stopped for a three-yard loss by Jalen Ramsey, but Ramsey was hit with a 15-yard unnecessary roughness on the play.
The defense shut the door after that, forcing the Panthers to settle for a 45-yard Ryan Fitzgerald field goal for a 3-0 lead.
Rudolph searched for more on the Steelers next drive, hitting Max Hurleman for a four-yard gain. Warren took it up the middle for a three-yard gain, but on third down Rudolph had to throw it away while under pressure. Corliss Waitman took his turn in the punting duties, with his 35-yard punt going out of bounds at the Panthers 30-yard line.
The defense came out strong, with big plays by Payton Wilson, Derrick Harmon and Jack Sawyer to force a Panthers three-and-out.
Rudolph found Freiermuth for a one-yard gain in the flat, and Johnson followed with a seven-yard gain behind some strong blocking by Freiermuth and fellow tight end Darnell Washington. With Rudolph in the shotgun, he quickly got the ball in the hands of Johnson, who took it for eight yards and a first down to end the first quarter.
The second quarter didn't start with a flourish, though, when Rudolph's pass intended for Ke'Shawn Williams was intercepted by Ransom.
Linebacker Malik Harrison, who was signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Baltimore Ravens in the offseason, knocked Blackshear for a six-yard loss. The Panthers got it right back when Plummer connected with Blackshear for a six-yard gain. On the next play, Plummer escaped pressure for a 15-yard gain and first down. Plummer found Dominique Dafney for a 13-yard gain to the Steelers 11-yard line, and a five-yard penalty for too many men on the field gave the Panthers the ball at the six-yard line. Leal brought the pressure on Plummer, forcing an errant pass that James Pierre intercepted in the end zone to shut the door on the drive.
Skylar Thompson took over at quarterback with 10:04 to play in the half and came out firing. He completed a 16-yard pass to Williams and connected with Scotty Miller for a 13-yard gain. Thompson went right back to Miller for 16 yards and hit Johnson for a short three-yard gain.
On third-and-seven, Thompson let it sail, finding Lance McCutcheon in the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown and 7-3 lead, on an eight play, 80-yard drive that saw Thompson complete five-of-five pass attempts for 72 yards.
The Panthers came storming back, taking advantage of big plays. David Moore had a 19-yard run, while Blackshear rattled off a 17-yard run. Plummer scrambled for an 18-yard gain to the seven-yard line, and Leal was flagged for a four-yard facemask penalty to the three-yard line. The Panthers were called for a false start, but it didn't hurt them. Plummer hit a wide-open James Mitchell in the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown to take back the lead, 10-7.
It took no time for the Steelers to come right back. Thompson let it fly with a 55-yard completion to Miller to the Panthers 20-yard line. Rookie kicker Ben Sauls hit on a 38-yard field goal, to send the two teams into the locker room tied, 10-10.
A young defense came out swarming on the first drive of the second half. Rookie Jack Sawyer got things started when he knocked Emani Bailey for a two-yard loss. Fellow rookie Yahya Black sacked Bryce Perkins for an eight-yard loss, followed by a 12-yard strip sack, which Perkins recovered. Perkins wasn't ruled down, and Julius Welschof forced another fumble on the same play, which was recovered by Mark Robinson at the Panthers 40-yard line.
Thompson and company went right back to work. McCutcheon grabbed a 14-yard reception, and Trey Sermon had a nine-yard catch. The Steelers took advantage of the turnover, with Sauls nailing a 50-yard field goal to take a 13-10 lead with 5:07 to play in the third quarter.
After a defensive stop, the Steelers made another change at quarterback, bringing in Logan Woodside with 2:03 to play in the third quarter. Woodside completed a short pass to Lew Nichols, who took it for a 23-yard gain. Nichols came right back with a nine-yard gain off left guard, and they stayed with the hot hand, Nichols taking it for five yards and a first down. Penalties hampered the Steelers on the drive, and they were forced to settle for a field goal, with Sauls hitting his third of the night, a 49-yard to extend the lead to 16-10.
Penalties hampered the Steelers on the drive, and they were forced to settle for a field goal, with Sauls hitting his third of the night, a 49-yarder to extend the lead to 16-10.
After a defensive stop, the Steelers added to their lead courtesy of some big plays. Woodside connected with Williams for 15 yards, and Sermon took it for 30 yards. Sauls hit his fourth field goal of the night, a 28-yarder that extended the lead to 19-10.
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