The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rough string of luck to begin the 2025 season. Starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. suffered a hamstring injury in the season-opener against the Jets, while safety DeShon Elliott went down awkwardly with a knee injury in Week 1. Neither player is ready to return to action.
Meanwhile, edge rusher Alex Highsmith left Pittsburgh's Week 2 contest just 10 snaps into the game with a high ankle sprain and will miss multiple games. Before that, in the preseason finale, first-round pick Derrick Harmon went down with an MCL sprain.
The Steelers can't blame all of their issues early in the season on injuries, but missing a handful of starters on defense doesn't help. Fortunately, Pittsburgh finally catches a break.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could get Derrick Harmon back for Week 3 matchup vs. New England Patriots
In his Tuesday press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin labeled rookie Derrick Harmon to be 'questionable at best' to suit up for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. However, things are already looking more encouraging than expected.
On Wednesday, Harmon was a limited participant in practice. The rookie looked quick and explosive, seemingly not hampered by the MCL sprain that's kept him out of action since August 21. And when the media asked him about it, he insisted that he would be good to go for Sunday.
Though this isn't Harmon's call to make, it's an extremely encouraging sign for a team that is scratching and clawing to find answers to help their ailing defensive line. Pittsburgh's defense has been run on with ease and has failed to generate consistent pressure early in the season. Harmon's presence should offer an immediate boost.
READ MORE: Steelers’ defensive problems are far bigger than what Derrick Harmon can fix
Outside of veteran Cam Heyward—who has been largely unable to get to the quarterback—the rest of the defensive line has been a disaster. Isaiahh Loudermilk (who's now on IR with an ankle injury) was getting bullied by offensive linemen, while Keeanu Benton has been completely unable to hold his ground at the point of attack at nose tackle.
We can't expect too much from Harmon in his first-ever NFL action, but it's safe to assume that anything he gives the Steelers' defensive line is going to be better than what they've been dealing with.
Steelers fans will still need to wait for the final injury report to see if Derrick Harmon will officially make his NFL debut in Week 3, but it looks like this team is finally going to catch a break after the horrible injury luck they've had early in the 2025 season.