James

Harrison

He played well on Sunday, with six tackles on rushing downs Sunday.

Harrison is the top backup at three positions, so he’ll play a lot this year.

A contusion is a bruise. The Steelers got a scare when Harrison limped off the field in the second half, but coach Mike Tomlin predicted that his veteran would be just fine. Harrison had seven tackles before leaving.

Harrison will have another checkup with his eye doctor this week, and at that point be given a timetable to return. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen against the Ravens. With ILB James Farrior out for Sunday’s game against the Patriots, the Steelers started Stevenson Sylvester and Larry Foote at inside ‘backer, with LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons outside.

Both players would receive more money up front, so it’s hardly a selfless gesture. As PFT’s Mike Florio points out, the Steelers’ need to free up money for Mike Wallace this year and Antonio Brown next is due to their prior insistence on signing rookies to three-year deals rather than the more customary four-year contracts.

Harrison said earlier in the week that he wouldn’t play against the Ravens, but he will so long as he pasts an eye test on Saturday. Harrison’s probable listing and full practice Friday suggest the Steelers are now counting on him.

Farrior said Thursday that he would play, but the calf is still an issue. The downgrade explains why the Steelers promoted LB Mortty Ivy from their practice squad Saturday. OLBs James Harrison and Jason Worilds have also been ruled out.

The Post-Gazette reported late Sunday that Harrison would likely miss one more game, but he’s apparently recovered better than expected. Harrison has started four games this season, racking up 23 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble. His return will allow Lawrence Timmons to move back to inside ‘backer.

“Saw the doctor today,” Harrison wrote. “Looks like I won’t be playing this weekend but at least I’m cleared for practice. Worst case scenario I’ll be back after the bye for sure.” The Steelers’ bye is in Week 11, following dates with Baltimore and Cincinnati. Harrison’s status remains “week to week.”

Harrison will leave the decision in the doctors’ hands. DC Dick LeBeau is still holding out hope for Harrison, ILB James Farrior (calf) and AFC Defensive Player of the Month LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) after all three practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day.