The Steelers wrapped up their preparation for Sunday's game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium and it comes as no surprise that first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon has officially been ruled out.
In addition, linebacker Nick Herbig and quarterback Skylar Thompson are questionable. Herbig was limited all week with a hamstring injury, while Thompson was added to the injury report on Friday with a hamstring injury.
Harmon suffered a sprained knee in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers and Coach Mike Tomlin said at the start of the week that he wouldn't be available for the season-opener.
With Harmon out, there hasn't been any definitive word on who will start, but defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has confidence in the depth they have on the defensive line.
"Obviously, we're fortunate it's a short-term injury, he'll be back," said defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. "I think we have quality dudes and quality backups in there. You have a veteran guy like Milk (Isaiahh Loudermilk) and a young guy like Yahya (Black). I think we have some good quality guys that are going to fill that role until he's back.
"We have some young guys that are filling that role. They're going to have to fill roles all year because, as you know, you don't go through a season unscathed. There's going to be times where guys miss, and those guys will have to step up and do a really good job. I think we've addressed our depth. We've addressed it with some young talent, some big bodies.
"So, I'm not really worried about it at this time. If we were to have a whole bunch of injuries, then there might be a different story, but not right now."
Black, the Steelers fifth round pick out of Iowa, said he didn't know what the plan was for his playing time on Sunday, but he will take advantage of whatever comes his way.
"Just get the reps when you have the chance," said Black. "When you're out there, you play to your best ability."
Black had a strong preseason, and the hope is that will translate once games count in the win column.
"I think he's had some early success because he's a huge individual. He's strong and he uses his hands," said Austin. "I think, when you're an interior guy that has that type of size and length, when you use your hands and you're powerful, you can get rid of blocks, put off of blocks, you make yourself available to make plays.
"So, we're just looking for his growth and continued development. I think, as a young guy, the biggest thing that a lot of those guys face is what kind of blocking schemes and how they're getting blocked and recognizing things because the minute they learn those things and understand them with their strength and power, they're able to play and play well.
"Cam Heyward is a fine example of that. You're talking about a big, strong guy who can use his hands and get off blocks, and he understands blocking schemes. So, there's times he just shows up and makes plays all over the place because he understands it's not always brute force, but he has that in him. I think that's what Yahya has. When you're looking at him as an early, developing player, you see some of those traits. Big, strong, with hands and has the ability to develop. I think he's going to be a really, really fine player in this league for a long time."
The full practice and status report is below.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 1
Game Status
No. 17 QB Skylar Thompson (Hamstring) - Questionable
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Questionable
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - Out
Friday, September 5
No. 17 QB Skylar Thompson (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (NIR - Resting Vet) - Full
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - DNP
Thursday, September 4
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 97 DT Cam Heyward (NIR - Resting Vet) - DNP
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - DNP
Wednesday, September 3
No. 51 LB Nick Herbig (Hamstring) - Limited
No. 99 DT Derrick Harmon (Knee) - DNP
New York Jets Participation/Injury Report, Week 2
Game Status
No. 75 G Alijah Vera-Tucker (Tricep) - Out
No. 79 OL Chukwuma Okorfaor (Hand) - Questionable
No. 67 OT Esa Pole (Ankle) - Out
Friday, September 5
No. 1 CB Sauce Gardner (Fibula) - Full
No. 2 QB Tyrod Taylor (Knee) - Full
No. 75 G Alijah Vera-Tucker (Tricep) - DNP
No. 79 OL Chukwuma Okorfaor (Hand) - Limited
No. 67 OT Esa Pole (Ankle) - DNP
Thursday, September 4
No. 1 CB Sauce Gardner (Fibula) - Full
No. 2 QB Tyrod Taylor (Knee) - Full
No. 75 G Alijah Vera-Tucker (Tricep) - DNP
No. 79 OL Chukwuma Okorfaor (Hand) - Limited
Wednesday, September 3
No. 1 CB Sauce Gardner (Fibula) - Limited
No. 2 QB Tyrod Taylor (Knee) - Limited
No. 75 G Alijah Vera-Tucker (Tricep) - DNP
No. 79 OL Chukwuma Okorfaor (Hand) - DNP
*Please note, the New York Jets did not practice on Wednesday. Wednesday's participation is an estimation.
