The Pittsburgh Steelers not only lost to the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, but they also lost defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the process. He was carted off in the second quarter with a foot injury.
That was a blow in Week 4, and the Steelers will have to lean on some other guys for the foreseeable future. Head coach Mike McCarthy revealed on Monday that Harmon will be placed on IR and will be "out for a number of weeks".
He will likely land on the short-term IR, meaning he'll be out for at least four weeks. That's a blow to Pittsburgh's DL, and that opens the door for DT Keeanu Benton, among others, to make a bigger impact on this team.
Pittsburgh Steelers' interior DL must step up after Derrick Harmon injury update
Harmon has been a force for this interior defensive line. Thus far into the season, he has compiled 12 total tackles, two QB hits, six pressures, and 1.5 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, Harmon has an 84.2 pass-rushing grade (4th among 132 graded defensive linemen). The Oregon product was also doing a fantastic job in the run game and eating up blocks.
The Steelers will need Benton to elevate his play going forward. Behind Harmon, Benton gives the Steelers the most pass-rushing juice from the inside. Across 55 games in Pittsburgh, Benton has logged 132 total tackles, nine TFLs, 29 QB hits, and 7.5 sacks.
Last season was his best yet, posting career highs in QB hits (12), TFLs (6), and sacks (5.5). His performance in 2025 played a big role in why Benton got a four-year, $72 million extension in August. With a void and more playing time set to emerge, there will be more put on Benton's shoulders, as it should, considering the long-term commitment given by the front office.
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will be able to generate pressure on the outside, so the guys inside will need to either clean up the mess or push the pocket from the interior into the arms of those edge rushers.
Everything up front works hand in hand, and the Steelers will be leaning on multiple players. Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward will also have more put on his plate. Despite being 37 years old, he leads the Steelers' defensive tackles in total snaps (156).
He's played in at least 50 percent of the defensive snaps in all four games this season, including at least 65 percent in three straight outings. Pittsburgh loves what he still brings to the fold, and they'll look in his direction even more.
Sixth-round rookie Gabriel Rubio may be someone else who gets some action. Rubio hasn't suited up for the Steelers in 2026, but he was someone who was a standout this summer with his play in camp. During the preseason, he flashed at times as a sound run defender and may be asked to log some reps in the next couple of weeks.
Yahya Black and Sebastian Joseph-Day are some other names in the defensive tackle room who will likely get more time. Pittsburgh will lean on multiple players to fill in for Harmon. Benton will get increased playing time, but there will be other players who are tasked with filling in.
Add us as a preferred source on Google