Steelers Make Final Decision On Derrick Harmon For Week 10 Against Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the weekend with an important decision to make before their latest AFC North showdown. Coming out of the bye week, the team had reason for optimism regarding the health of its roster. However, one defender’s availability required more than an encouraging practice report, leaving another step before he could potentially help against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night.

Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon had spent the week working toward a return after a foot injury interrupted his second NFL season. Getting back onto the practice field gave the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate his progress, but participating in those sessions did not automatically make him eligible for game action.

Now, Pittsburgh has taken the next step. The Steelers have activated Harmon from injured reserve, giving him a chance to play against Cincinnati in Week 10. The move does not guarantee he will dress Sunday night, but it clears a necessary hurdle and keeps a potential return on the table.

That distinction matters. Harmon is back on the 53-man roster; although, the team can still include him among its game-day inactives. His activation indicates that Pittsburgh believes he has progressed enough to potentially contribute, with the final determination about his participation coming before kickoff.

There was an encouraging development Friday that helped make this outcome possible. After practicing on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday, Harmon upgraded to full participation in the final practice of the week. He carried a questionable designation into the weekend, leaving his status unsettled despite that improvement.

A full practice represented a meaningful step for a defensive lineman recovering from a foot injury. Harmon needs to plant, change direction and generate power against offensive linemen. Getting through those movements in practice gives the Steelers more information than they can gather from rehabilitation work alone.

Still, there is a difference between completing a practice and handling the demands of an NFL game. Pittsburgh will have to consider how Harmon responds to the week’s workload, along with what the defense needs against Cincinnati. The activation gives the coaching staff that option without locking it into playing him.

Harmon missed the previous four games before the Steelers opened his 21-day practice window Wednesday. The team could have continued evaluating him while he remained on injured reserve, but doing so through the weekend would have prevented him from playing in this matchup.

Instead, Pittsburgh has preserved the possibility of getting another contributor back along its defensive front. Harmon recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble in four appearances before his absence. He made one start during that stretch, providing production while continuing to develop. That forced fumble was the reason why the Steelers beat Cincinnati in Week 3.

For a player selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, opportunities carry significance beyond an individual stat line. Harmon needs game experience to improve his recognition, technique and consistency. Missing time interrupts that process, even when a player remains involved in meetings and preparation.

His potential return also gives the Steelers more flexibility with their rotation. Having another available defensive lineman could help distribute snaps and provide different combinations throughout the night. However, there is no reason to assume Harmon would immediately receive a large workload after several weeks away.

Pittsburgh can bring him along based on what he shows and how he feels. A limited role could allow him to contribute without asking him to handle everything at once. First, though, he needs to make it through the final evaluations and earn a place among the players dressing Sunday.

Steelers Could Get Harmon Back For Crucial Bengals Matchup

The activation is welcome news for a defense preparing for a divisional opponent, but Harmon’s status deserves attention when the inactive list arrives. That announcement will determine whether his return includes game action or another week spent preparing.

For now, the Steelers have given themselves a choice. Harmon’s full participation Friday offered encouragement, and bringing him off injured reserve allows that progress to potentially carry into Sunday night. After four missed games, he is closer to helping again. Pittsburgh must now decide whether the Bengals matchup is the right time to put him back on the field with his teammates.

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