Steelers Defense Could Be Without Major Piece for Multiple Weeks
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently suffered a stunning loss to their division rivals, the Cleveland Browns, 27-24 in “Thursday Night Football.”
During that game, the Steelers also saw their 2025 first-round pick, defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, go down with an injury. Harmon suffered a foot injury in the game’s first half and was then carted off the field.
Harmon was later seen wearing a walking boot, and reportedly was scheduled to undergo an MRI this past Friday.
On Sunday, ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter reported an optimistic update: a source said Harmon will be sidelined for a few weeks. According to Schefter, Pittsburgh could also consider placing Harmon on injured reserve, but his injury doesn’t appear to be long-term.
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That sounds like good news for the Steelers as they attempt to compete for the division in what is quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ final NFL season.
Pittsburgh drafted Harmon No. 21 in last year’s draft out of Oregon. He also played three seasons at Michigan State.
In his rookie season, Harmon played in 12 games and started in eight for the Steelers. He recorded 27 combined tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery, and looked to be a significant part of the Steelers’ defense in his sophomore season.
Harmon came up big in his team’s Week 3 clash with Cincinnati, recording a strip-sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to help win the game.
According to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, cornerback Jamel Dean could also be out for several weeks as he recovers and rehabs his ankle injury.
The news on Harmon and Dean came soon after the Steelers traded cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys for a package that included a 2027 sixth-round draft pick and a 2028 second-round pick.
Pittsburgh is currently 2-2 and fourth in the AFC North. They’ll host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. ET.
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