Week 1 exposed Pittsburgh’s linebacker depth as Malik Harrison exited with a knee injury late in the win over the Jets, joining Cam Heyward on the trainer’s table and leaving Nick Herbig sidelined by a hamstring issue. Harrison’s regular-season debut for Pittsburgh produced two tackles on just four snaps, underscoring the unit’s fragility. The path forward hinges on whoever can step up behind the veterans and veteran-like special-teams value as the LB corps retools after Week 1.

Harrison’s absence raises the floor at outside linebacker for fantasy managers, especially with depth already thin. The Steelers must lean on younger contributors and reallocated snaps to cover for the injury concerns, while still trying to keep a competitive edge on defense. Week 1’s injury wave will dictate immediate shifts in LB usage and special-teams workloads as Pittsburgh tries to stabilize a banged-up group.