Steelers top Panthers 19-10 in NFL preseason finale, but rookie Harmon exits with injury

Skylar Thompson impressed in relief as the Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the preseason with a 19-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. Thompson, who saw action with the Miami Dolphins last year, was highly efficient, completing 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards.

Thompson's highlight was a perfectly placed 24-yard touchdown strike to Lance McCutcheon in the second quarter. He also connected on a 53-yard bomb to Scotty Miller, who finished with three catches for 82 yards.



Rookie kicker Ben Sauls provided much of the scoring, converting four field goals from 38, 50, 49, and 28 yards. The Steelers, who played a handful of starters, also welcomed running back Jaylen Warren for his preseason debut.

Warren, expected to start this season, had two carries for three yards and added 12 yards on two receptions. Rookie Kaleb Johnson contributed 24 yards on five carries.


The victory was bittersweet, however, as first-round pick Derrick Harmon, a defensive end selected 21st overall, was carted off with a knee injury in the first half. The Steelers offered no immediate update, but Harmon was visibly emotional as he left the field.


Mason Rudolph started at quarterback but struggled, going 6 of 8 for 36 yards with an interception. Thompson took over and immediately energized the offense, leading two scoring drives.

For Carolina, most starters and key reserves sat out. Jack Plummer filled in at quarterback and, despite an early red-zone interception, managed a 7-yard touchdown pass to James Mitchell to tie the game at 10 before halftime.

Recently signed Bryce Perkins played the second half but failed to produce points, losing a fumble on a sack by Yahya Black. The Panthers’ kicking competition continued as rookie Ryan Fitzgerald hit a 43-yard field goal and an extra point.

Both teams now turn to the regular season, with the Steelers visiting the Jets and the Panthers facing the Jaguars on September 7.