The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with a lot of different defensive injuries heading into Week 3. It would be a huge boost if the unit could get one of their young promising players, such as Derrick Harmon, back sooner rather than later.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t sound too optimistic Tuesday that that will happen on Sunday, September 21. But Harmon made it known to reporters Wednesday that he’s prepared to make his NFL debut at any time.
“I’m ready to go when my number is called,” said Harmon, via The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo.
The Steelers drafted Harmon at No. 21 overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old has been out since suffering a knee sprain in the third preseason game on August 21.
When Will Derrick Harmon Make NFL Regular Season Debut for Steelers?
Harmon left his team’s final preseason contest on a cart, which led some to speculate he sustained a very serious injury. But two days after the injury, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac reported Harmon could miss only one regular season game.
The Steelers haven’t placed the rookie on injured reserve. That move would have ruled him out for at least four games.
But Harmon has missed the first two contests of the regular season. On Tuesday, Tomlin called him “questionable at best” for Week 3 versus the New England Patriots.
It’s hard to overstate how badly the Steelers defense could use Harmon back on the field. The team placed veteran defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk on injured reserve Wednesday. Loudermilk was largely responsible for replacing Harmon in the Steelers‘ lineup the first two weeks of the season.
With Loudermilk out, Pittsburgh added disappointing third-round pick DeMarvin Leal to the active roster from the practice squad Wednesday.
Loudermilk will be out at least four games because of a high-ankle sprain. Fellow defensive lineman Dean Lowry is also already on injured reserve.
Steelers Defensive Injuries Entering Week 3
While Malik Harrison and Donte Kent are the only other defenders on IR for Pittsburgh after two regular season games, the team is dealing with injuries all over its defense.
Edge rusher Alex Highsmith also has a high-ankle sprain. He appears set to avoid IR, but Tomlin ruled him out for Week 3.
In the secondary, safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. both missed Week 2. Tomlin used the “questionable at best” tagline for Elliott on Tuesday. Tomlin simply referred to Porter as questionable.
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Darius Slay Jr. suffered injuries against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. But Tomlin made it sound as though both will play versus the Patriots.
The Steelers will have a more official injury update after practice Wednesday.
Regarded as one of the top defensive linemen available in the 2025 draft, Harmon was expected to be a significant contributor immediately for the Steelers this fall. The sooner he gets on the field, obviously the better for the team.
Based on his response Wednesday, Harmon doesn’t sound ready to rule out Week 3 as his possible debut.
Steelers’ Derrick Harmon Delivers Strong Message on Potential Week 3 Debut