One of Pittsburgh’s best run defenders is back to help bolster an already successful defensive line.
The Steelers announced on Saturday afternoon that defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has been activated off injured reserve. Cornerback Terrell Smith was waived to create room on the 53-man roster.
Harmon suffered a foot injury in the first half of the Steelers’ loss at Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 1. He was placed on IR and missed the next five weeks (four games).
His last full game was against the Bengals
on Sept. 27. In four games, Harmon logged 12 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, and one sack.
The 2025 first-round pick is a significant component of Pittsburgh’s run defense, a unit that gave up an average of over 80 yards more on the ground last year (five games) when Harmon was out of the lineup.
This season, regardless of whether Harmon has played, the Steelers are a top-five unit. Patrick Graham’s defense is allowing 83.9 rushing yards per game, third in the NFL. The Steelers only allowed 100 yards once in his absence.
Harmon returns for arguably the biggest game in the AFC this season as the Steelers face the Bengals on Sunday Night Football. The winner will hold sole possession of first place in the AFC North and the Steelers would own a two-game lead in Cincinnati after sweeping the season series against their rival.
