The Steelers enter the Week 3 matchup with a 1-1 record, boasting a win against the Jets and falling short against the Seahawks. Mike Tomlin took his signature calm but guarded style into the press conference, balancing hope and candor regarding his team’s health. He delivered important news regarding Pittsburgh’s battered defense leading up to the Patriots game, suggesting difficult decisions are on the way, including whether a highly publicized rookie defensive lineman will make his season debut at last.
Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, sidelined since injuring his knee in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, sounded eager to get back to work. Harmon said, ”If my number’s called, I’m ready to go.” His comments marked the first time the promising rookie publicly expressed full readiness after missing the team’s opening two games.
Harmon, a third-round choice of the Steelers, was a bright spot in August. Given minimal preseason action, he totaled four tackles and a sack before spraining his MCL in the finale, with a productive effort against the Buccaneers on Aug. 16 (three tackles, one sack). He contributed another tackle in the Aug. 21 win at the Panthers. His skill at playing both inside and outside, along with his power in the trenches, was meant to help a Pittsburgh line weakened by injuries and uneven play. However, the injury kept him away.
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Harmon admitted that the process has been irritating. ”I’m very anxious,” he said. “I just want to get out there and help the team any way I can right now. Right now, my focus is trying to be prepared and make sure I’m healthy enough to get out there. First year, you want to be out there. First game, first few games, not being out there to help the team, it hurts. But I’ve just got to stay on course.”
Even though he was benched, Harmon remained deeply invested in the Steelers’ training. From reading various schemes to learning how offenses target the defense, he concentrated on every aspect of the unit’s work to assist in enhancing the unit’s level of play. He went to all the meetings, walkthroughs, and practices while being unable to contribute on the field, and that will make his return easier.
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Pittsburgh drafted Harmon in a large role to improve its run defense and to help the pass rush. With one of the team’s best linemen, Isaiahh Loudermilk, already absent due to a high ankle sprain, Harmon’s return could be the medicine this team requires. He registered 45 tackles (27 solo), two forced and recovered fumbles, and four pass breakups for Oregon. According to Pro Football Focus, Harmon also led all FBS interior defensive linemen with 55 pressures, helping Oregon go undefeated in 2024 and winning the conference title with a victory over Penn State in the championship game.
The Steelers’ injury list emphasizes the stakes. Linebacker Patrick Queen was a full participant on Wednesday with an oblique issue, but defensive stalwarts like cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), safety DeShon Elliott (knee), linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle), and offensive lineman Max Scharping (knee) were all marked as limited or out. This rash of injuries has put Harmon’s rehabilitation high on the Steelers’ defense depth chart.
Mike Tomlin issues an underwhelming report before the Patriots game.
While Harmon was hopeful, Mike Tomlin was less optimistic during his press conference. The head coach categorized Harmon, Porter Jr., and Elliott as questionable at best for the game against the Patriots on Sunday. A clear indication that the team plans to prioritize caution. “We’ll let the quality of their work and the amount of their work during the week be our guide,” Tomlin said, stressing that health and long-range availability overrule any one game.
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Tomlin’s words were in stark contrast to Harmon’s excitement. The coach said Harmon was expected to get it last week, but never completely practiced. With that in mind, Tomlin’s comments sound like a warning that Harmon won’t be activated just yet. It fits Tomlin’s long reputation for prioritizing player health over need, even when faced with a decimated defensive corps.