Harrison could play against Jets

By Alan Robinson

James Harrison is closer to returning to the Steelers.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the five-time Pro Bowl linebacker worked out Monday, will run Wednesday and hasn’t been ruled out of playing Sunday against the New York Jets. Harrison hasn’t played since last season and has practiced only sporadically because of a left knee injury.

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I get the feeling we won't see him this week for some reason. Could this knee injury be worse than we're being lead to believe?

I'll just be happy to see Clark back this week.

Good to hear both Foster and Gilbert are OK and expected to play Sunday.

Defense could get a boost this week
Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

The Steelers defense will get a boost this week with safety Ryan Clark back in the lineup against the New York Jets at Heinz Field on Sunday and the potential return of linebacker James Harrison as well.

Clark missed the Broncos game because complications due to the sickle cell trait prevent him from playing in Denver’s high altitude. Harrison was sidelined with a knee injury, but he worked out on Monday and is expected to run on Wednesday with the hope of returning to the lineup Sunday, but his status is still to be determined.

“Obviously, those guys are capable of helping us,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “They’re quality veteran players. They know how to play and, specifically in Ryan’s case, not only his play but his communication and leadership.

“What we are going to do is focus on the healthy guys and get them prepared to play and, ultimately, expect them to play on the acceptable level. Obviously, this week Ryan will be included in that bunch. Whether or not James is, remains to be seen.”

Harrison practiced last Monday, but was limited on Wednesday and didn’t practice at all on Thursday or Friday. While Tomlin knows what both Harrison and Clark are capable of, until he seems them in regular season action he isn’t going to say how much their presence will help.

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I think Clark will have the biggest impact upon his return. His play allows Troy to free flow on Defense. While Harrison offers relief for Woodley, I believe the coverage and communication in the secondary is more key for the front 7 to get to the QBs.