Derrick Harmon suffered a knee sprain in the preseason finale. MRI pending—he’s out for weeks. How this impacts the Steelers’ defensive front.
News Recap — The Injury and Its Aftermath
- What Happened: Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon was carted off the field during the final preseason game against the Panthers after suffering a knee injury. He appeared in visible pain and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
- Diagnosis: Initial scans revealed a knee sprain, not a torn ligament—a relief, but the team is proceeding cautiously.
- Outlook: Per reports, Harmon is expected to miss “at least a couple of weeks”, pending MRI results. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the injury is being evaluated, but a season-ending injury is not anticipated.
Background — Who Is Derrick Harmon?
- Profile: Drafted 21st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Harmon is a 6’4″, 313-lb defensive tackle projected to start alongside veterans like Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton.
- College Legacy: He starred at Oregon, earning All-American honors and boasting 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks in 2024. Before that, he played at Michigan State.
- Emotional Backstory: Harmon’s mother passed away shortly after the draft; her resilience has profoundly shaped his drive and mindset.
Impact on Steelers’ Defensive Plans
- Immediate Gap: With Hammond sidelined, Isaiahh Loudermilk could see an uptick in snaps, and Yahya Black—a standout in camp—may get a chance to play inside alongside Heyward and Benton.
- Depth Test: Week 1 is approaching quickly; with Harmon likely unavailable, the Steelers must lean on backup DTs and strategic rotations to maintain pressure. A challenging early-season test looms.
View of DL Derrick Harmon’s injury. Looks like his knee twisted at end of the play. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/Gygc0fWFyN
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 22, 2025
Expert Insights & Reporting
- Steelers.com: Official acknowledgment of Harmon’s four-year contract and the team’s excitement for his long-term role.
- Post-Gazette (Gerry Dulac): Emphasizes the timing—Harmon needs the MRI, but expectations are hopeful for a mid-season return.
- Sporting Observations: Tomlin described the injury simply as a “knee sprain”; while it appeared serious on visuals, coach offered no indication of a major concern.
What’s Next: Recovery and Timing
- MRI Results Pending: The Steelers will use MRI data to determine whether Harmon can return late in the regular season. Midseason rehab is more realistic currently.
- Week 1 Outlook: With the opener against the Jets set for September 7, Harmon is an improbable option—missing early games may alter defensive rotations.
- Depth Chart Watch: Keep an eye on Loudermilk and Black’s performance in practice—roles may shift permanently if Harmon is sidelined longer.