Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that defensive lineman Derrick Harmon will be placed on injured reserve following a foot injury sustained during Thursday night’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
Beat reporter Nick Farabaugh posted the update on X from McCarthy’s weekly Monday press conference.
"Mike McCarthy says that they will place Derrick Harmon on injured reserve with the foot injury he suffered on Thursday against the Browns," wrote Farabaugh.
The decision to place Harmon on injured reserve mandates a minimum four-week absence under NFL roster regulations, dealing a significant blow to the team's defensive front depth during a critical stretch of the season.
Harmon sustained the injury during the midweek contest
against Cleveland, exited the game after the injury, and did not return to action. Subsequent medical evaluations over the weekend confirmed the severity of the foot issue, forcing the coaching staff and front office to officially make the roster adjustment.
Mike McCarthy says that they will place Derrick Harmon on injured reserve with the foot injury he suffered on Thursday against the Browns.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 5, 2026
Losing Harmon creates an immediate hole in the defensive line rotation. Known for his physicality at the line of scrimmage and ability to disrupt both run fits and interior pass pockets, Harmon’s absence will force the defensive coaching staff to reconfigure their personnel groupings. Expect depth pieces and practice squad elevations to see increased snap counts in his place over the coming month.
While the team has not provided a specific timeline for his full recovery beyond the required four-game IR stint, McCarthy's announcement confirms that Harmon will be sidelined for the foreseeable future while undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. The coaching staff will need to monitor his healing process closely before opening his 21-day practice window for a potential return later in the season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Derrick Harmon headed to IR after foot injury vs. Browns
