Steelers Navigate Defensive Line Challenges Without Derrick Harmon
For the second consecutive week, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face their upcoming matchup without the presence of first-round draft pick and starting defensive lineman Derrick Harmon. The rookie’s absence has been felt since a knee injury sidelined him during the final preseason game. As a result, he was officially ruled out for the Week 2 clash against the Seattle Seahawks, following a week in which he did not participate in practice.
Given that Harmon was not placed on injured reserve at the start of the season, there is optimism surrounding his potential return within the next week or two.
Possible Return Timeline for Derrick Harmon
Early last week, reports suggested that Harmon was expected to increase his activity leading up to the Week 2 game against Seattle, although it was clear he wouldn’t be taking the field just yet. Analysts pointed to a possible debut in Week 3 against the New England Patriots, as Harmon is anticipated to resume practice soon.
While there remains a slight chance he could rejoin the lineup for this Sunday’s home opener, the prevailing sentiment leans towards a more likely debut in Week 3 on the road against New England. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Tuesday that Harmon would not be playing against the Seahawks, indicating he was never close to returning for that game. His lack of practice participation throughout the week suggests that any ramp-up in activity has not occurred alongside his teammates.
Expectations for Week 3 and Beyond
While it would be unwise to completely rule out Harmon’s involvement in the Week 3 game, the combination of his absence from practice and the swift decision to rule him out for Week 2 leads to a more conservative outlook regarding his readiness. Week 4 appears to be a more realistic target for his return. Should he take the field next week, it’s likely that Harmon would see a limited number of snaps in what would be a significant moment—a rookie’s first taste of NFL action.
In the meantime, the Steelers will need to adjust their defensive strategy. A combination of Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk, and Daniel Ekuale is expected to fill the gap left by Harmon during his recovery. As the team prepares for their upcoming games, the spotlight will be on how well these players can step up in his absence, ensuring that the defensive line remains a formidable force.
