Derrick Harmon was listed as a full participant Friday, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a decision to make before Sunday night's game against Cincinnati. He's questionable with a foot injury after missing four games and remains on injured reserve. Practicing is one hurdle. Getting onto the active roster is another.
Player | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thur. | Fri. | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ben Skowronek | WR | Calf | FP | FP | FP | |
DeShon Elliott | S | Ankle | LP | FP | FP | |
Brandin | CB | Hamstring | FP | FP | FP | |
Cameron Heyward | DT | NIR/Rest | DNP | DNP | FP | |
Doneiko | DB | Hamstring | FP | FP | FP | |
Darnell Washington | TE | NIR/Rest | DNP | DNP | FP | |
* Derrick | DT | Foot | LP | LP | FP | Questionable |
T.J. Watt | LB | NIR/Rest | DNP | LP | FP |
* injured reserve/designated for retrurn
Harmon already has a memorable moment against the Bengals. His strip-sack of Joe Burrow helped seal Pittsburgh's 30-27 win in September. That play is a reminder of what the second-year defensive tackle brings when healthy: disruption in the middle, not just another body taking up space.
Pittsburgh Steelers face a roster decision as Derrick Harmon nears activation
Sebastian Joseph-Day's triceps injury already created an opportunity for Gabriel Rubio. Keeanu Benton and Cameron Heyward have plenty to handle inside, too. Adding Harmon could spread out the workload and give Patrick Graham more ways to pressure Burrow, who can pick a defense apart when he has time.
The Steelers opened Harmon's 21-day practice window Wednesday. They don't have to activate him immediately, and adding him to the 53-man roster requires a corresponding move. Pittsburgh has to decide whether another defensive lineman is worth that roster shuffle right now.
1st and 10 · Cincinnati Bengals
— Bengals at Steelers (@CINvsPIT) September 27, 2026
Joe Burrow (@JoeyB) is sacked for a 7-yard loss by Derrick Harmon (@DerrickHarmon20), fumbles the ball with Derrick Harmon recovering at CIN 49https://t.co/tzRwgeE70cpic.twitter.com/kDoW4oG6KD
DeShon Elliott followed Wednesday's limited session with two full listings, and he carries no game designation. After his recent injury troubles, that's a welcome development for a secondary facing Cincinnati's passing attack. Barring a setback, he looks ready to contribute. Pittsburgh has enough to worry about with Cincinnati's offense without having to shuffle its secondary around again.
Ben Skowronek, Brandin Echols and Doneiko Slaughter also practiced fully. So did T.J. Watt, Darnell Washington, and Heyward after earlier rest days, according to the official report. Pittsburgh needs every available contributor against a Bengals team that can turn a single missed assignment into points. Having those players finish the week with full listings is exactly what the Steelers wanted.
Harmon's activation is the one question still requiring a roster decision. If Pittsburgh doesn't make that move before kickoff, Rubio and the current defensive line group will have to handle Cincinnati without him.
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