The Pittsburgh Steelers may be getting a major boost in the trenches this week, as head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is set to return to practice. Whether he suits up against the Miami Dolphins will depend on how he looks during the week, but with an extra day to prepare, the door is wide open.
And make no mistake - Harmon's potential return is more than just a depth addition. His absence over the past two games has been felt in a big way, especially in the run game.
Without him, the Steelers have surrendered back-to-back 200-yard rushing performances, giving up an average of 191.2 rushing yards per game. With Harmon in the lineup?
That number drops to a much more manageable 96. That’s not just a coincidence - that’s impact.
Harmon’s skill set has been a great fit in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme. His power at the point of attack and ability to extend with length have allowed him to disrupt blocking schemes and collapse gaps. He’s leaned into his bull rush and long-arm technique, becoming a key cog in a front that thrives when it can play downhill and dictate the line of scrimmage.
The injury that sidelined him wasn’t related to the MCL sprain he suffered during the preseason. He actually finished the game against the Bears before reporting the issue the following day, which speaks to his toughness - but also adds a layer of frustration, as the injury interrupted what had been steady development.
In his absence, the Steelers have rotated Esezi Otomewo, Logan Lee, and Yahya Black along the interior. While all three have shown flashes, the unit as a whole has struggled to hold up against the run. Without Harmon anchoring the middle, opposing offensive lines have found more success getting movement up front and creating lanes.
If Harmon can get through the week of practice without a setback, his return could be a turning point for a Steelers defense that’s been looking to reassert its identity. The Dolphins bring speed and misdirection in the run game - and that’s exactly the kind of challenge where a player like Harmon can make his presence felt early and often.