The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon looked close to tears as he was carted off the field on Thursday night.
Defensive tackle Harmon went down with a sprained knee during their final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
The 22-year-old was taken with the 21st overall pick in this year’s NFL draft but the Steelers are now anxiously waiting for a diagnosis with just over two weeks to go until Week 1.
Harmon was quickly loaded onto the cart in Charlotte before being driven back to the locker room so he could receive medical attention.
He was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game in what could be a major blow for head coach Mike Tomlin.
Harmon has played a part in all three of the Steelers’ preseason games and was one of the final starters still active in Thursday night’s game when the injury occurred.
Steelers’ first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon looked close to tears as he was carted off
The 22-year-old was taken by the Steelers with the 20th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft
He looked to be clearly in pain, but managed to make his way onto the cart without help.
The rookie was expected to line up alongside Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton in the Steelers’ defensive line.
The Steelers played a relatively strong team against the Panthers, starting the game with all but four starters. Most played just one series but some, like Harmon, stayed in for longer.
The Steelers begin their NFL season away against the New York Jets in a mouthwatering match up that will see Aaron Rodgers return to MetLife Stadium.