The Pittsburgh Steelers will open their season without first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the decision following his weekly availability, noting that Harmon’s preseason knee issue will keep him sidelined for Week 1. NFL.comSteelers Depot
What we know about the Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon knee injury 2025 status
Harmon sprained his knee late in the preseason, an injury suffered against the Carolina Panthers on August 21. The initial scare was serious, but subsequent evaluation labeled the injury a sprain, placing him on a week-to-week track rather than a long-term absence. That timeline explains why he’s missing the opener while avoiding injured reserve—a prudent call in September. NFL.comsports.yahoo.com
Depth chart ripples without Harmon
Tomlin identified Harmon as the only Steeler ruled out for Jets week as of Tuesday, which puts added weight on the interior rotation. Expect veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk and rookie Yahya Black to absorb snaps alongside Keeanu Benton, with Daniel Ekuale factoring in situationally. If All-Pro Cam Heyward is available—and team confidence has trended that way—the line keeps its leadership intact while redistributing early-down work. Steelers DepotBehind the Steel Curtain+1
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon knee injury 2025 matters vs. the Jets
New York’s offense under new stewardship has emphasized downhill runs and play-action shot plays. Harmon’s calling cards—length, leverage, and pocket compression—translate on early downs and obvious run looks. Losing that skill set stresses gap integrity and interior rush lanes, exactly where the Jets will probe to keep Pittsburgh’s pass rush honest. NFL.com
Key matchup dynamics without Harmon
Run fits on early downs: Benton’s anchor becomes central; Loudermilk’s hand placement must win first contact.
Pocket shape vs. play-action: Interior collapse is crucial to prevent clean set points for deep shots.
Rotation stamina: Black’s rookie snaps will carry weight in second-and-medium; keep an eye on his pad level.
Roster construction and the Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon knee injury 2025
Big picture, this is why modern front offices invest in interior depth and keep practice-squad elevations handy: the marginal gains on first and second down compound over four quarters. With Harmon out, Pittsburgh leans on a blend of youth (Black) and system experience (Loudermilk) to keep structure. The club drafted Harmon in Round 1 (No. 21 overall) precisely to raise the room’s ceiling for games like these—his absence reframes the calculus but not the standard. Steelers
How Pittsburgh replaces the rookie’s snap profile
Tomlin’s approach typically marries role specificity with “hot-hand” flexibility. Expect:
Early downs: Benton-Loudermilk pairings to preserve gap soundness.
Passing downs: More multiple looks—tackle-end games, interior stunts—to manufacture A-gap pressure.
Red zone: Heavier personnel groupings to force New York wide, away from the teeth of the front. Steelers Now
Timeline, expectations, and the Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon knee injury 2025
Nothing about the team’s messaging suggests a prolonged absence. “Week-to-week” with a knee sprain is consistent with a near-term return, provided swelling management and functional strength testing cooperate. If Harmon clears the practice ramp—limited work, then full participation—he can rejoin the rotation without the lag often seen after surgical interventions. That said, the Steelers historically err on the side of prudence with trench players early in a season. NFL.com
What a successful Week 1 looks like without him
Pittsburgh doesn’t need splash plays to win the interior; it needs consistency.
Win first down: Hold the Jets to ≤2 yards per carry on inside zone and duo.
Force long second downs: Make New York call play-action from disadvantage.
Close drives: Leverage Heyward’s leadership and Benton’s power to compress the pocket in the red area. Behind the Steel Curtain
Scouting report snapshot and the Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon knee injury 2025
Harmon’s value shows up in the film’s subtleties: how he locks out, clears his hips, and squeezes rush lanes so edge rushers finish. Removing that from the equation elevates communication—linebackers must trust the interior to “stay square” and not over-flow. In practical terms, that means Mykal Walker and Elandon Roberts trigger downhill only when the picture is clean, avoiding cut-back seams the Jets love to exploit. (Those cues are where Heyward’s on-field coaching matters most.) Behind the Steel Curtain
Bottom line on the Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon knee injury 2025
Week 1 is about managing risk as much as it is about statement wins. The Steelers believe they can handle New York’s physical template with disciplined techniques and smart rotation. If they do, Harmon’s absence becomes a footnote rather than a headline—and Pittsburgh preserves a first-round investment for the weeks that matter most in the AFC North race. NFL.com
As a Staff Writer at NFL 999 NEWS, Mohammed Jaber focuses on breaking news, weekly recaps, and player updates. His clear writing style makes complex NFL developments easy for fans to follow