The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a significant injury scare during Thursday’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers when 2025 first-round pick Derrick Harmon left the game with a knee injury.
A visibly upset Harmon was carted off the field and was later seen during the second half on the Steelers bench — a sign his injury wasn’t serious enough to warrant any kind of immediate attention.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin updated reporters after the game on Harmon’s status, though in typical Tomlin fashion, he kept it brief.
“Knee sprain of some description,” Tomlin told reporters, via Steelers on SI. “He’s being evaluated.”
More NFL: 49ers’ Plan for RBs Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson Jr Revealed
Gary Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported late Thursday night Harmon, the 21st overall pick in April’s draft, was expected to miss “a few weeks” and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed on Friday evening the former Oregon star would miss the first four games of the season.
More NFL: Hall of Famer Says NFL Told Teams Not to Draft Browns QB Shedeur Sanders
“#Steelers first-round DT Derrick Harmon, who was ruled out with a knee injury last night, was diagnosed with an MCL sprain, sources say,” Rapoport stated. “He’s expected to be out about a month, which makes him a candidate to begin the year on IR. But could have been worse.”
Harmon, who logged a team-high 55 pressures, 43 hurries, 11 tackles for loss, seven QB hits, and five sacks for the Ducks last season, per Pro Football Focus, was expected to be one of Pittsburgh’s starting defensive tackle this season next to Cameron Heyward.
More NFL: Adam Schefter Hints Ravens Weren’t Honest About Lamar Jackson Injury
In Harmon’s absence, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Kyler Baugh, Domenique Davis, Daniel Ekuale, and Logan Lee will all compete for reps.
Up until Thursday’s game, Harmon had a strong camp and seemingly made an impression on Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl.
“He’s had a really good camp,” Weidl said, via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. “His explosiveness. His length. His hands — he’s always working his hands. Ability to escape blocks in both phases. The energy comes off the ball with. The explosiveness.”
More NFL: Vikings Interested in Reunion With 1,000-Yard WR Weapon for JJ McCarthy: Report
The post Steelers Hit With Alarming Injury Update to 2025 First-Round Pick appeared first on Newsweek.
