Steelers notes: ILB Malik Harrison looking forward to facing old team, the rival Ravens

The game is for first place, and it’s always a highlight of any Pittsburgh Steelers season. But Sunday’s annual matchup on the road against the Baltimore Ravens means even more to Steelers inside linebacker Malik Harrison.

Harrison spent his first five NFL seasons with the Ravens before signing a two-year contract with the Steelers in March.

“I mean, yeah, definitely,” Harrison said Monday from UPMC Rooney Sports Complex when asked if Sunday’s game against his former team will carry extra significance. “I still love Baltimore. I’d been there for five years. I’ve still got love for everybody out here. I’ve got a lot of friends out there, so it’s going to be different, but I’m here now.”

“Here” is with the Steelers, serving as a stout, run-stuffing linebacker. Harrison has started each of the past five games since he returned from a knee injury suffered during his Week 1 Steelers debut. Harrison played a season-high 52 defensive snaps during Sunday’s game — but that isn’t necessarily a good thing, seeing as the Steelers were shredded for 249 Buffalo Bills rushing yards in a 26-7 loss.

“We just weren’t making plays,” Harrison said. “Maybe people got out their gaps. It’s just little things. I don’t think it’s a (long-term) problem or anything.”

Patrick Queen — another former Ravens inside linebacker — left Sunday’s loss because of a hip injury. If he can’t play this coming week, Harrison could be in line for an increased role (though Payton Wilson would wear the “green dot” as the play caller). Harrison was signed, in part, for a sturdy presence that could counteract games against the division rival Ravens.

“That’s what my career has been,” Harrison said. “Just being that thumper, that physical player.”

Pro Bowl voting

The NFL released its first list of fan voting for the Pro Bowl Games. And only five Steelers are among the top 10 at any of the 20 position groups.

The Steelers player who ranks highest at his position? Of all people, Ben Skowronek. But the wide receiver by trade is listed under “special teams,” and he’s second among vote-getters.

Also listed among their respective top 10 are T.J. Watt (fourth, outside linebacker), Connor Heyward (fifth, fullback), Jalen Ramsey (eighth, free safety) and Chris Boswell (10th, kicker).