It’s a move that probably based on playing time shouldn’t come as a big surprise, yet one that likely won’t make Steeler Nation all that happy two days before Christmas.
Today the team announced they have activated offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert from the Reserve/Suspended List, but at the same time, they have released linebacker James Harrison.
The one-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year leaves the team for a second (and almost for sure final) time after coming out of retirement to join them in 2014.
Harrison at 39 had seen his playing time dwindle down to just about nothing, and other than a big sack at the end of the win over the Chiefs, there wasn’t many highlights this season for the linebacker.
Coach Mike Tomlin said time after time that the team would use Harrison when needed, but with the rash of injuries the team had suffered, it was a move the club likely had to make.
We have activated OT Marcus Gilbert from the Reserve/Suspended by Commissioner List to our active roster, and released LB James Harrison. https://t.co/yF8wLQD9Ac
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 23, 2017
DAVID GREER
December 23, 2017 at 7:56 pm
THIS JUST CONFIRMS HOW BAD DECISIONS BY THE COACHES AND HEAD PERSONEL WILL CAUSE US NOT TO WIN THE LOMBARDI.TO THE ROONEYS AS A40 YEAR FAN I SAY WAKE THE HELL UP!!! GILBERT IS A DRUG USER AND HE REALLY ISNT THAT GREAT.STUPID STUPID IS ALL I CAN TELL YOU THE MAJORITY OF THE FANS FEEL.YOU LET US DOWN AGAIN WITH THIS MOVE
BB
December 23, 2017 at 11:30 pm
David…as a long time Steelers fan this does hurt…especially with who they had to activate. This pisses me off too, but remember that on it goes.
Lynne Solomon
December 24, 2017 at 2:24 pm
I’m totally disgusted with this decision! You brought him back for a reason, there was no reason not to play him with all the injuries we had!
This was very disrespectful of a man who played his heart out for the Steelers for years! Shame on you Tomlin & other decision makers.
Va_don
December 24, 2017 at 10:04 pm
Man this is the worst Christmas gift a Steeler fan could ever get. Thanks coaches and management FU he deserved better