Steelers Share New Plan For Rookie Derrick Harmon's Return From Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense had many pundits betting on them to be one of the elite units in the NFL during the 2025 season. Through the first two weeks, however, that hasn’t been the case. Pittsburgh has been crushed all around, surrendering nearly 800 yards of total offense and struggling to establish the physical dominance fans have grown accustomed to under Mike Tomlin. While TJ Watt and Cam Heyward remain cornerstone playmakers, the lack of consistency in stopping the run and closing out drives has left the defense reeling, raising real concerns about whether this group can live up to its lofty expectations.

The Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the hope that his power and athleticism would bring an immediate boost to the defensive front. Harmon, a disruptive force in college known for his ability to clog lanes and eat up double teams, was penciled in to start right away and play a major role in tightening up the middle of the line. Unfortunately, a preseason injury sidelined the rookie before he could make his regular-season debut, and Pittsburgh has felt that absence in a big way. While the veteran rotation has done its best to hold down the fort, the lack of fresh legs and young talent in the trenches has only amplified the unit’s early struggles.

There is optimism on the horizon, however. Harmon recently told reporters that he is getting close to returning, though no clear timetable has been set. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin spoke with the media on Thursday and acknowledged the impact Harmon could have once he’s cleared, but emphasized that the team won’t rush him back before he’s fully ready. 

"We’ll be pretty judicious with his snaps and try to work him back," Austin told Brian Batko while speaking about Harmon's return from injury. "He’s probably gonna lack some football conditioning, some football shape."

Austin noted that the rookie’s development is still on track, and the Steelers believe his eventual presence could provide the spark this defense desperately needs. Until then, the pressure is on the veterans to steady the ship and prove that Pittsburgh’s defensive identity isn’t slipping away.

If Harmon can return sooner rather than later, it could be the kind of midseason boost that changes everything for this defense. Pittsburgh has long built its identity around controlling the line of scrimmage, and without that presence inside, the linebackers have been forced to overcompensate, leaving holes in other areas of the field. 

Steelers Missing Derrick Harmon Big Time

Harmon’s size, strength, and instincts are exactly what the Steelers envisioned when they drafted him, and it’s no coincidence that the unit has looked softer up front in his absence. Getting him back in the lineup would not only help slow down the run, but also free up Watt and others to wreak havoc off the edge. Though Austin did admit it will take Harmon some time to jump on the moving train.

For now, the Steelers must find a way to survive until their rookie anchor is ready to go. Austin’s comments suggest the staff still has confidence in this group and believes the issues are correctable, but talk only goes so far. Steeler Nation has seen early-season struggles before, and sometimes those get corrected in a hurry. The next few weeks will be a critical stretch that reveals whether this defense can regroup and rise to the occasion or if bigger questions about depth and execution will linger all season. Harmon’s return may be the turning point.

Do you think Derrick Harmon's return from injury can help this Steelers' defense turn things around? Why or why not? 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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