Steelers Receive Huge Injury News Regarding First-Round Pick Derrick Harmon

Over the last two weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers' run defense has been in shambles. The now 7-6 Steelers traveled to Baltimore on Sunday to play the now 6-7 Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens had won five of their last six games heading into the contest, while the Steelers had lost three of their previous four. The Steelers ultimately won 27-22, putting them back in the driver's seat to win the AFC North for the first time since 2020. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for 284 yards and a touchdown while also adding a rushing touchdown. DK Metcalf also hauled in seven catches for 148 yards. 

The Steelers' rushing attack was pedestrian against the Ravens, rushing for only 34 yards as a team, averaging 2.0 yards per carry. The Ravens, on the other hand, were much more successful on the ground. According to ESPN, they ran for 217 yards on 40 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. That's their highest since their Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Steelers in Week 13 played the Bills at home, where they surrendered 249 rushing yards. In those two games, the Steelers were without rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon, who has been sidelined with a knee injury. Head Coach Mike Tomlin recently gave positive news on Harmon and his status for Monday Night Football against the Miami Dolphins.

"Derrick Harmon will be limited in the early portions of the week, and we'll let the amount of participation, how quickly he picks up, and the quality of that participation [be our guide]," Tomlin said. "As we go through the week, to determine whether or not he's available, certainly excited about an additional day as it pertains to him."

The Steelers drafted Harmon 21st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Harmon didn't take long to impress, as he was named a starter when the first depth chart came out. Harmon was having an impressive preseason until a knee injury in the final preseason game sidelined him for a month. Harmon missed the first two games of the regular season and his presence was severely missed. In those games, the Steelers gave up 182 yards and 117 yards. Harmon made his debut in a big way against the New England Patriots, recording two tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. 

Harmon's impact didn't stop there. When he was placed in the lineup, the Steelers' run defense allowed only 96 rushing yards per game. In the four games without Harmon, they allow 191.2 yards per game. That's almost 100 yards less with him in the lineup. 

Pro Football Focus does not share the same praise, however. They have Harmon graded out at 53.7, ranked 85th out of 128 defensive tackles. While his stats and grades may not be impressive, his impact is undeniable. Tomlin had high praise for the rookie when asked about his impact against the run.

"He's a first-rounder, that's why you draft first-rounders," Tomlin stated. "He's really talented."

Another Steelers Rookie Defensive Lineman Has Been Emerging

Harmon wasn't the only defensive lineman the Steelers drafted. They also selected big run stopper Yahya Black out of Iowa in the fifth round. Like Harmon, Black had a very impressive preseason. He played in Harmon's place, where he struggled at first, but Black has improved as the season has gone on. 

With Cameron Heyward's career nearing an end, the Steelers need to rely on the rookies and get them as many snaps as possible. Tomlin gave praise to Black as well.

"Yahya's a guy that's just gotten better throughout the process," Tomlin explained.

The Steelers have a bright future on the defensive line. They've invested heavily in those guys; it's now up to them to develop this young group.  

Do you think Derrick Harmon will play on Sunday? Does the Steelers' run defense bounce back against the Dolphins? Let us know in the comments.

#SteelerNation