To add insult to injury during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 27-24 loss to the Browns in Week 4, two starting defenders for Pittsburgh suffered injuries that are expected to keep them out for multiple weeks. Cornerback Jamel Dean and defensive tackle Derrick both left the game early on Thursday night with ankle and foot injuries, respectively.
According to Ian Rapoport, Injured Reserve is a possibility for Harmon, but it isn't considered a long-term injury. With their top corner and one of their best interior defenders on the shelf for at least a while, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will have to rely on a few unproven players to fill in.
Rookie corner Daylen Everette seems to be the answer at corner, and he is coming off a game where he had to play 53 snaps due to Dean leaving Week 4 early. Replacing Harmon will likely be more of a group effort, but it could open the door for someone like rookie fifth-round pick Gabriel Rubio to get a chance to prove himself.
Pittsburgh Steelers need unproven rookies to help them get by without two key starters on defense
Everette has mostly struggled when he's been out there so far, but with Joey Porter Jr. now in Dallas and Doneiko Slaughter the only other real option opposite Asante Samuel Jr., he is going to have to try and work through his issues. A trade for a veteran could be an option, but I doubt general manager Omar Khan wants to spend draft capital after just adding more picks in the Porter trade.
Rubio hasn't been active yet despite making the Steelers roster out of camp, but now may be the right time to get him on the field. Harmon had started to flash as a pass rusher before his injury, but his run defense and ability to take up blocks are where he shines.
Rubio showed an ability to hold up well in run defense during the preseason, but it's a whole different level against NFL starters. Still, this is exactly why you draft players like him. All he would need to do is help keep guys in their current roles, especially keeping Keeanu Benton out of the nose tackle spot.
It's also likely that we'll see veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day play more snaps until Harmon returns, as he has only played 60 snaps so far this year. Regardless of who ultimately fills in for both Harmon and Dean, the defense can't afford to take a huge step back, given how the offense looks so far.
Add us as a preferred source on Google