The Pittsburgh Steelers have activated ILB Malik Harrison from injured reserve and placed him on the team’s 53-man roster ahead of tomorrow’s Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts, the team announced Saturday morning. Harrison comes off IR after spending nearly the entire 21-day window practicing and will boost the team’s inside linebacker depth and special teams, assuming he dresses this weekend.
Harrison injured his knee in Week 1 and was placed on injured reserve. Pittsburgh designated him to return on October 13, allowing him to practice while remaining on IR. The deadline to make a decision on him was this upcoming Monday.
Inked to a two-year deal, signing over from the Baltimore Ravens, Harrison is a thumper against the run. He could carve out a niche role facing Colts RB Jonathan Taylor and a potent Indianapolis running game this weekend. Harrison’s return is key, knowing veteran inside linebacker Cole Holcomb will miss Sunday’s game with an illness. Harrison could replace his role on running downs. Harrison is also a strong and experienced special teamer.
For the season, Harrison has recorded two tackles. Harrison has tallied 176 tackles and two sacks in his career across 77 games.
Other inside linebackers on the team’s depth chart include Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Holcomb, and rookie Carson Bruener.
As of this writing, two players who have their windows-to-return open remain on injured reserve: QB Will Howard and CB Cory Trice Jr. Howard has practiced fully since being activated last Wednesday, but the team may opt to use all 21 days of his window before activating him. Trice suffered a knee injury on Thursday, one day after his return, and failed to practice on Friday. The team ruled him out for the Colts’ game. His latest injury leaves his NFL future in doubt.
The Steelers and Colts square off at 1 PM/EST Sunday.
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