Steelers Offensive Lineman Injured vs. Bengals

Chris Ward |

Updated: Jan 6, 2025

Steelers left guard Masom McCormick — Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Mason McCormick during a game against the New York Jets on Oct. 20. 2024.

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (head) and right guard Mason McCormick (left hand) both suffered injuries in Saturday night’s 19-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Harris was evaluated for a head injury but he was cleared and returned to the game. McCormick suffered his left hand injury late in the game and did not return.

“Najee [Harris] was evaluated for a head injury but he was cleared and came back in the game. Very late in the game, McCormick injured his left hand and is being evaluated as we speak,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game.

In the fourth quarter, Harris made a nice catch and run in space, showcasing how difficult it is to tackle him, but he was hit from behind by Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt then gave Harris a hard helmet-to-helmet shot to the head and he was clearly shaken up.

Najee takes an absolute SHOT to the head. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/CsNIjPEhtn
— David Todd (@DavidMTodd) January 5, 2025

Harris spent some time on the ground before being helped off the field by the training staff. He walked to the sideline very gingerly before entering the medical tent.

The fourth-year running back was shortly after ruled questionable to return with a head injury.

Harris hadn’t done much up until his injury with just 36 yards on 12 carries (three yards per carry) and three catches for 22 yards.

Steelers backup running back Jaylen Warren replaced Harris on the following series. He and fellow running back Cordarrelle Patterson are the next men up . The two have rushed for combined 624 yards and one touchdown this season.

Harris eventually returned to the game on the final drive, but it wasn’t enough to get the win.

Tomlin will provided an in-depth injury update either on Monday or Tuesday, depending on when the Steelers play their Wild Card Round game.

The Steelers are a relatively healthy unit heading into the playoffs. Cornerback Donte Jackson (back) was the only starter held out for the regular-season finale.

Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.