Good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ ground defense. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, selected in the first round of the 2025 draft, could debut this Sunday against the New England Patriots. Harmon, who injured his medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the last preseason game, has been listed as questionable for the match. However, after fully participating in Friday’s practice, everything indicates that he will be ready to play.
Due to his time away, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin plans to limit Harmon’s minutes if he plays in Week 3.“I think so, I hope so. We’ve been waiting for him. We need him to come and do some things, and we didn’t take him in the first round for any reason.”
Keeanu Benton, defensive lineman
The incorporation of Harmon would be a great relief for a ground defense that has struggled, allowing 149.5 yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry. The Steelers selected Harmon for his versatility and ability to stop the run. With the absence of several key players, such as safety DeShon Elliott and linebacker Alex Highsmith, Harmon could strengthen the unit against the Patriots’ offense, which ran for 122 yards last week. Rookies Yahya Black and Logan Lee will also be part of the defensive line to stop the Patriots’ attack, while veteran Daniel Ekuale could have more opportunities due to Isaiahh Loudermilk’s injury.“I think if that’s the case, we’ll be pretty cautious with his plays and try to reincorporate him gradually. The most important thing is that he probably lacks some physical conditioning for football, the physical shape for football. And you don’t want to put a guy who’s really not quite ready in that sense.”
Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator
“We are short-handed at the moment, so there will be a rotation, and the guys will have to step up. I think those guys have to rotate. And again, the only thing is, like you said, you don’t want to give them too many plays, but if you can spread them out, and we can get 15, 10 plays between them, maybe a little more, and you get quality plays, that’s what we’re looking for.”
Teryl Austin, Defensive Coordinator
