Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison may need arthroscopic surgery on his knee before the regular season opens, according to Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times. Harrison is currently on the preseason PUP list because of swelling behind his knee cap. An arthroscopic procedure may be required to clean out the irritation that is causing the swelling.

Regardless of whether surgery is needed, the Steelers feel he will be ready for their season opener next month. Bires spoke with Harrison's agent, Bill Parise, who indicated the Steelers may take him off the PUP list in the next couple weeks and if things don't go smoothly in practice, they'll opt for the scope. Parise also stated Harrison is perhaps the healthiest he's been in three years, and he's confident his client will be ready for the opener, via Bires:

"He's OK. We're just trying to make sure that we have the player we want for the regular season," Parise said. "Right now, James is doing all right. He's just working through the process. If you see him, he's probably as fit as he's ever been. He looks great. His attitude is great. Right now, it's just a matter of him getting that knee better.

At this time, James is looking to play in the opener. We all think James will play in the opener."

The Steelers being their season on the road in primetime, facing Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos Sept. 9, on Sunday Night Football.

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