Steelers' Yahya Black Opens Up About Secret Injury He Suffered During Rookie Season

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the move was viewed as a smart investment in fixing one of the team’s biggest issues. At the time, Pittsburgh’s defense had struggled to consistently stop the run under former Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, which often put extra pressure on the rest of the unit. Bringing in a player like Harmon signaled that the Steelers were serious about rebuilding the trenches and becoming a tougher defense up front.

Now, with Mike McCarthy leading the way and an entirely new coaching staff in place, there is renewed optimism that stopping the run can once again become a true strength for Pittsburgh. A big part of that hope comes from new Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham and the scheme adjustments he is expected to bring. However, it is not just about new coaches, as the Steelers also feel encouraged by what young defensive lineman Yahya Black can add to the rotation moving forward.

Selected in the fifth round (164th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Black quickly exceeded expectations during his rookie campaign and now enters 2026 looking to take another step in his development. While appearing on Cam Heyward’s podcast, Not Just Football, Black revealed that he actually suffered a painful injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 14 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens after tackling Derrick Henry. Despite the setback, he continued battling through the issue, further highlighting the toughness that helped him make an early impression in his first NFL season.

"I'd say my welcome [to the NFL moment] was trying to tackle Derrick Henry," Black said during his time on Not Just Football. "I tried to shed a block, and I stuck my arm out there and next thing you know, I'm on the ground laying like this and I'm looking down the field and I'm just like, 'Yeah, my shoulder's messed up. It ain't coming back.'"

Black did reveal he felt like he truly hit that infamous rookie wall as the 2025 season wore on. Now, heading into 2026, he believes he will be better prepared to save his energy and pace himself more effectively over the course of a grueling NFL season. Learning how to manage that long stretch is something he sees as a key step in his development as a young defensive lineman.

Black ultimately closed out his 2025 rookie season playing all 17 games. That hit from Henry, which left him dealing with a painful shoulder injury, did not keep him off the field, though it likely contributed to the fatigue he later described as the rookie wall. Despite the wear and tear, he stayed available and continued to fight through adversity for Pittsburgh’s defense.

Steelers Appear To Have Hit On Fifth-Round Pick Yahya Black

In those 17 games, Black ended up starting three contests, finishing with 28 tackles and two forced fumbles. It was an exceptional season from a fifth-round rookie, and he now appears set to make an even bigger impact in 2026. With another year of experience under his belt, he is positioned to further establish himself within the Steelers’ front seven.

That kind of production and availability is exactly what you hope for from a late-round pick, especially on the defensive line where development usually takes time. Black already looks like he belongs and now it is about building on that foundation in year two. If he takes another step forward in 2026, the Steelers might have gotten a lot more than just depth, they may have found a real piece for their front seven moving forward. Black now gives new Steelers defensive line coach Domata Peko an exciting young talent to mold and develop further.

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