PITTSBURGH (Sept. 25, 2005) -- New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, the NFL's career leader for sacks by a defensive back, injured his left leg and was taken off the field on a stretcher.
With the Steelers driving midway through the first quarter, Pittsburgh wide receiver Cedrick Wilson was taken down from behind, causing him to roll into Harrison's path and take out the safety's left leg.
Harrison, in visible pain, stayed down on the field for several minutes before being taken to the Patriots' locker room. One of the Patriots' defensive leaders, Harrison had an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown in New England's 41-27 AFC championship game victory in Pittsburgh.
The injury was the second of the day for a New England defense that went into the game without two of its top three cornerbacks, Tyrone Poole (ankle) and Randall Gay (ankle). Cornerback Duane Starks injured a wrist on the Steelers' first play from scrimmage.
