Steelers' Isaiahh Loudermilk Makes Big Statement About Stepping Up For Injured Star Rookie Derrick Harmon

The Pittsburgh Steelers got hit with an alarming scare during the second quarter of the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers. Exciting first-round pick Derrick Harmon was carted off the field and was seen crying with a towel over his head. He and Steeler Nation immediately thought the worst, but an update came out an hour or so later confirming it was a right knee MCL sprain. 

The sprain will force him to likely miss some time to start the 2025 season, but it was far better news than what was initially feared. Losing a first-rounder before Week 1 is never easy, but the Steelers avoided the devastating scenario of a season-ending injury. On the Steelers’ depth chart, fifth-year defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk is the next man up to replace Harmon. Loudermilk has been with the team since 2021 and has shown flashes of solid play in a rotational role, but now he’s being asked to step into a much larger responsibility. 

He spoke with Steelers insider Mike DeFabo about the new opportunity and challenge that lies ahead, admitting he has to prepare like a starter every week. For Loudermilk, this is a career-defining moment. After years of waiting for a true chance, he now has an opportunity to prove he can be a dependable force on Pittsburgh’s defensive line.

"This will be my fifth year here in this system, so I’m extremely comfortable with it," Loudermilk said. "I’m comfortable with the coaches. I’m comfortable with the players. It’s happened before. My first year here, we had some injuries. I ended up starting a couple games, so it’s the same situation. I feel like I’m just a little bit more prepared now than I was then."

The Steelers' defense is built on depth and resilience, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin has always emphasized the next man up mentality. While Harmon’s absence will certainly be felt, the team believes Loudermilk and the rest of the defensive front can hold their own until the rookie returns. 

The combination of veterans like Cam Heyward and TJ Watt alongside emerging players such as Keeanu Benton gives Pittsburgh confidence they can weather the storm. If Loudermilk can seize this moment and perform at a high level, not only will it help stabilize the defense early in the season, but it could also solidify his role in the Steelers’ long-term plans.

Steelers Will Have To Hold Down The Fort Until Derrick Harmon Is Healthy

DeFabo also pointed out that Tomlin’s history of next man up coaching often includes a steady rotation of players. He believes Yahya Black, Logan Lee, and even a veteran like Daniel Ekuale will be called upon and used in unique rotations to hold the line until Harmon is back. 

The Steelers drafted Harmon after watching their highly paid defense get gashed by talented offensive teams in 2024, and he was expected to play a major role in strengthening the unit this season. Getting him back as soon as possible and fully healthy is now pivotal to Pittsburgh’s long-term success in 2025.

The game that truly put the Steelers brass on notice was clearly the first-round playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens tore through the Steelers’ run defense, rushing for 299 yards. That performance was likely the moment the decision to draft Harmon was made.

Do you have confidence in what Loudermilk believes about his own ability to step up in the absence of Harmon to start the season? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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