The newest game of hide-and-seek on the Steelers doesn't involve JuJu Smith-Schuster, Le'Veon Bell or a touchdown celebration.
This time, the player in hiding is veteran James Harrison, who did not get on the field again Sunday night when the Steelers beat the Detroit Lions, 20-15, at Ford Field.
It was the second time this season Harrison dressed for a game but did not play. The 39-year-old outside linebacker also was inactive for two other games, meaning he has taken snaps in only half of the Steelers' eight games this season.
His position coach, however, promises Harrison will be sought out when the Steelers return from their bye week.
“James is never out of the picture,” Joey Porter said Tuesday. “We'll use James when we feel it's time to use James.”
Porter created a stir in training camp when he said Harrison, the franchise's all-time sacks leader, would be used as the football equivalent of a relief pitcher this season. But Porter and coach Mike Tomlin have held true to their word. Harrison has taken just 29 snaps, with only Arthur Moats getting less playing time among outside linebackers.
Harrison's biggest contribution came three weeks ago in Kansas City when he took 15 snaps lining up against Chiefs left tackle Eric Fisher. His sack of Alex Smith helped the Steelers seal the 19-13 victory over the NFL's last unbeaten team.
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