Steelers could be without James Harrison in season opener
By Matt Shetler
The Pittsburgh Steelers could suit up Sunday night against the Denver Broncos without one of their best defensive players.
January 8, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) during the first quarter of the 2011 AFC wild card playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE
Already without safety Ryan Clark, the Steelers could also go at it without the services of linebacker James Harrison, who is listed as questionable for the season opener.
Harrison, who missed the entire preseason, missed practice on Friday because of soreness and swelling in his knee.
The former Defensive Player of the Year tweeted it would be a game-time decision whether he plays against the Broncos, but he is expected to miss the game.
Didn't make practice today, looks like it will be a game time decision.
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 7, 2012
In other Steelers news, linebacker Larry Foote (ankle) is expected to play, but linebacker Stevenson Sylvester is also expected to miss the game with a knee injury and is about a week away from returning.
As for running back Rashard Mendenhall, no decision has been made, but I wouldn’t expect him to play. It looks as if it will be a running back by committee, featuring Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer and Baron Batch.
The Steelers also signed cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke and placed guard David DeCastro on the designated injured reserve list. DeCastro is eligible to return at the middle of the season.