Steelers Dealing with Key Injuries Ahead of Monday Night Clash vs. Dolphins
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for a pivotal Week 15 showdown under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, they’re doing so with a few key names still in question - and a roster that’s had to navigate more than its fair share of bumps and bruises.
Two players to keep a close eye on: defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and tight end Darnell Washington, both of whom are officially listed as questionable heading into the matchup with the Miami Dolphins.
Harmon’s Status Still Uncertain
Let’s start up front. Harmon has been sidelined the past two weeks with a knee injury, and while head coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism earlier in the week, that tone has been tempered by Harmon’s practice participation - or lack thereof. He missed both Wednesday and Thursday’s sessions, only returning in a limited capacity on Saturday.
If Harmon can’t go, it’ll be Yahya Black stepping in for what would be his third consecutive start. Black has been battling a shoulder issue himself, but he’s been cleared to play and practiced in full on Friday.
The Steelers will also lean on a rotation that includes Esezi Otomewo, Brodric Martin, and Logan Lee to help keep the defensive line fresh - especially important with Keeanu Benton and Cam Heyward also managing injuries of their own this week. The good news?
Both Benton and Heyward have been cleared and are expected to suit up.
Washington Trending in Right Direction
On the offensive side, Washington is working his way back from a concussion sustained in last week’s win over the Ravens. He’s been limited in practice all week, but the consistent participation suggests he’s progressing through the league’s protocol.
If Washington isn’t cleared in time, the Steelers likely won’t activate a fourth tight end. Instead, they’ll rely on a committee approach - Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Connor Heyward, and even Spencer Anderson, the jumbo tackle who can slide into a blocking tight end role when needed. It’s a group that’s shown versatility all season, and they’ll need to be sharp against a Dolphins defense that brings plenty of speed and pressure.
Other Notable Injury Updates
The Steelers will officially be without T.J. Watt, who’s been ruled out due to a lung injury. That’s a massive absence on the edge, and it’ll be up to the rest of the pass rush to try and fill the void left by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Also out are offensive lineman Andrus Peat (concussion) and cornerback James Pierre (calf), both of whom missed the entire week of practice. Their absences could impact both protection and depth in the secondary, especially against a Dolphins offense that thrives on speed and vertical threats.
On the positive side, several key contributors are good to go despite being limited earlier in the week:
- Calvin Austin III (calf) practiced fully Friday and is active.
- Keeanu Benton (ankle) and Cam Heyward (knee) both returned to full participation.
- DK Metcalf (abdomen), Patrick Queen (glute), and Malik Harrison (concussion) are all active after managing their respective injuries.
IR List Continues to Grow
Pittsburgh’s injured reserve list is already lengthy, and it won’t be shrinking anytime soon. Broderick Jones, Calvin Anderson, and DeShon Elliott remain out through at least Week 17, while season-ending injuries have sidelined Miles Killebrew, Max Scharping, Daniel Ekuale, and others for the remainder of the year.
Final Thoughts
The Steelers are walking a fine line right now - still firmly in the playoff hunt, but doing so with a roster that’s been tested physically week after week. Monday night’s game against the Dolphins carries serious postseason implications, and Pittsburgh will need contributions from across the depth chart to keep pace.
Whether it’s young players like Yahya Black stepping into bigger roles, or veterans like Freiermuth and Heyward holding down the fort, this game is going to be a gut check - the kind of December football the Steelers have built their legacy on.