Steelers First-Round Pick Harmon Expected Out Four Weeks After Knee Sprain

Pittsburgh Steelers first-round defensive tackle Derrick Harmon suffered an MCL sprain during the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, which is expected to sideline him for about a month and could place him on injured reserve to start the season. Despite the injury occurring early in the game and Harmon being carted off in visible distress, he was later seen on the bench, suggesting the injury was not as severe as initially feared. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the knee sprain without specifying a return timeline but acknowledged it as one of two significant injuries for the team. Harmon, selected 21st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and projected to start, had been expected to anchor the defensive line alongside veterans like Cameron Heyward. The Steelers will likely rely more on Isaiahh Loudermilk if Harmon misses significant time. The team begins its regular season on the road against the New York Jets on September 7.