Steelers' Sylvester out with torn knee ligament

Steelers' Sylvester out with torn knee ligament


August 19, 2012 5:43 pm

By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



The Steelers' injury situation at linebacker went from bad to worse when it was learned backup inside linebacker Stevenson Sylvester will be out three to four weeks after tearing the medial collateral ligament in his knee.

Sylvester is the top backup to inside linebacker Larry Foote. His injury means rookie Sean Spence, the team's third-round pick, will get more playing time and veteran outside linebacker Brandon Johnson will move inside for tonight's preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Steelers are already without Pro Bowl outside linebacker James Harrison and his backup, Jason Worilds, and it might be a while before either returns.

Harrison has a knee injury that caused him to miss minicamp and all of training camp to this point. He had minor surgery last week to help expedite his recovery, but he might not be ready to play until the second or third week of the regular season.

Worilds has missed all of training camp after having wrist surgery, and it is still not known when he will be back. Worilds can't hinge his wrist to take on blockers and will probably have to wear some type of brace when he does return.

Chris Carter, last year's fifth-round draft choice, has been the starter at right outside linebacker and will play there again tonight against the Indianapolis Colts.


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