The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base got an alarming sight on Thursday night during the final preseason game on the road against the Carolina Panthers. In the second quarter, exciting first-round pick Derrick Harmon went down with what appeared to be a possible season-ending injury. He was carted off the field and was seen crying with a towel over his head. That is never a hopeful sign and that is exactly why Steelers fans were nervous.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (99) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers fans assumed the worst, as did Harmon, but as the game progressed, a clip showed Harmon joking around later while wearing street clothes and laughing with Cam Heyward and TJ Watt. That moment gave fans some hope that Harmon may have avoided a serious injury.
Derrick Harmon is back on the sidelines sitting between T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward@missi_matthews reports Harmon did walk from the Steelers locker room, which is on the opposite side of the stadium. pic.twitter.com/QQv1OS50ch
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) August 22, 2025
On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided further insight into Harmon’s injury. Rapoport took to social media to give Steelers fans an update, revealing that while the news isn’t ideal, it’s much better than initially feared. Harmon is expected to be able to play at some point in the 2025 season, though he will likely start the year on injured reserve.
#Steelers first-round DT Derrick Harmon, who was ruled out with a knee injury last night, was diagnosed with an MCL sprain, sources say. He’s expected to be out about a month, which makes him a candidate to begin the year on IR.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2025
But could have been worse. pic.twitter.com/JQ48XGeewq
The Steelers were shaken when their exciting 2024 first-round pick, Troy Fautanu, suffered what appeared to be a season-ending injury in his rookie campaign. That fear loomed large on Thursday night for a second season in a row, but fans were relieved to later see Harmon in good spirits alongside Watt and Heyward. The two veterans were laughing with Harmon, seemingly trying to lift his mood, and it was a reassuring sight for Steeler Nation. Seeing the young star surrounded by such leadership offered hope that he might bounce back from the scare.
Perry Knotts / Associated Press
The Pittsburgh Steelers select DL Derrick Harmon out of the University of Oregon with the 21st choice in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Harmon has been impressive throughout training camp and his preseason snaps. The idea that he would have to halt his production and miss at least the first three games of the 2025 season is far from ideal. Still, it’s much better news than what was initially feared.
For those that missed the Derrick Harmon sack from earlier tonight, he just bulldozed his way thru the lineman to get to Kyle Trask. What a big, strong, athletic move pic.twitter.com/HosedYLhYn
— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) August 17, 2025
The hope now is that Harmon can rest, recover, and return at full strength, while the Steelers’ depth up front will need to carry the defensive line at the start of the season.
Steelers' Defense Needs To Get Derrick Harmon Back Soon
Harmon was drafted to make an immediate impact as a rookie, and he was on track to do just that. This injury will undoubtedly slow his momentum, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap in an already tremendous Steelers defense.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Derrick Harmon rushes the passer during a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers in 2025.
Harmon was set to be a key piece of that unit, and getting him back sooner rather than later will be pivotal for a successful 2025 campaign. This unexpected setback highlights how crucial Harmon’s dynamic, game-changing presence is for the Steelers’ dominant defense.
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