Derrick Harmon’s Injury Forces Steelers to Pivot with New Defensive Lineman
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers received unexpected news following their recent setback against the Chicago Bears. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who played through the entire game, has been diagnosed with a knee injury, sidelining him for the upcoming Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Head coach Mike Tomlin revealed this disappointing update during his weekly press briefing, emphasizing the team’s confidence in the depth available behind Harmon.
New Addition in the Spotlight
With Harmon out of the lineup, the Steelers are likely to look towards Brodric Martin-Rhodes, a recent acquisition from the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. Tomlin identified Martin-Rhodes as a candidate who could step up and play a more significant role in the defensive front. This raises the question: what can the Steelers anticipate from their new lineman?
Strength in Stopping the Run
Martin-Rhodes entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 2023 after a standout career at Western Kentucky. His selection was largely due to his impressive size and potential as a run-stuffing defensive tackle. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 330 pounds, he embodies the type of imposing presence teams seek on their defensive lines. If he takes the field against the Bills, the Steelers hope to leverage his size to bolster their run defense.
Despite facing challenges in pass defense, the Steelers have managed to hold their own against the run. Currently, they rank 15th in the NFL, allowing an average of 105.7 rushing yards per game. Martin-Rhodes, even with limited experience—having played only five games and recorded four tackles—can contribute to maintaining that solid run defense. His physicality may allow him to step into Harmon’s role in the base package, joining forces with veterans Cam Heyward and Yahya Black on the defensive line.
Cautious Approach Needed
However, the Steelers must avoid placing too much pressure on their new recruit. While Martin-Rhodes is a promising replacement for Harmon, overextending him could lead to unfavorable outcomes. The defense has struggled this season with personnel mismatches and playcalling issues, especially given the growing list of injuries. For the Steelers to be competitive, they need to manage Martin-Rhodes’ snaps carefully. If he ends up on the field for 25 snaps or more, it may signal deeper issues within the defense, as it would likely mean they are struggling to stay off the field against difficult matchups.
Nonetheless, there is a sense of optimism regarding Martin-Rhodes’ potential impact. His size and raw talent make him a valuable addition to the Steelers’ defense. The challenge lies in deploying him effectively and ensuring he integrates seamlessly into the defensive scheme. If managed correctly, Martin-Rhodes could play a pivotal role in strengthening the Steelers’ defensive front in the critical weeks ahead.
