Derrick Harmon’s rookie season will begin on injured reserve after he sustained a medial collateral ligament sprain in Thursday’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers. The diagnosis carries an estimated one-month recovery period, prompting the Steelers to place their first-round pick on IR and open his practice window after Week 4 of the regular season.
When Harmon was carted off in the second quarter, there was immediate concern that the injury could be season ending. Social media feeds filled with speculation about torn ligaments and a lengthy rehab, and local reporters braced for the worst as trainers examined his knee on the sideline. Initial X-rays were inconclusive, fueling fears that Harmon’s promising start might derail before it ever began.
By designating him to injured reserve with a return tag, Pittsburgh frees up a roster spot while holding Harmon to a minimum four-game absence. Assuming his rehabilitation proceeds on schedule, he could resume practice in early October and be activated in time for the Week 6 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
At Oregon, Harmon earned an 88.8 pass-rush grade, totaling five sacks and 11 tackles for loss over 14 games. That production made him one of the top interior disruptors in college football, but the sprain will delay his transition into a full-time role on the Steelers’ defensive line.
In his absence, Logan Lee and Kyler Braugh are expected to absorb additional snaps alongside veterans Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt. Pittsburgh’s medical and coaching staffs will monitor Harmon’s progress closely, gradually reinstating him into situational pass-rush duties before assigning a complete rotation of downs once he’s cleared.
(photo courtesy of Steelers Nation)