The Post-Gazette reports that, following offseason back surgery, James Harrison isn’t in top condition. He struggled in the Steelers’ last preseason game, against the Falcons.
“He’s looking like he was tired out there,” said inside linebacker James Farrior, the defensive captain.
Harrison is unlikely to receive much playing time this week against the Carolina Panthers, and the Steelers are relying on practice to help him get back into playing shape. Unfortunately, Harrison says practice alone isn’t the answer.
“You’re not going to get the same speed in practice that you are in a game,” said Harrison, who is 33 and entering his eighth NFL season. “You’re not going to get the same type of collisions. You’re using the preseason games as a way to get into shape. You can run all you want at practice, before practice, after practice, but it’s not the same as in a game.”
At this point, Harrison has less than two weeks before regular-season games begin, and it’s not clear that he’ll be fully healthy by then.
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