The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a key piece back at just the right time. Rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, the team’s first-round pick, returned to full practice on Wednesday after missing the last three games with a knee injury - and his timing couldn’t be better. With a pivotal Week 16 matchup looming against the Detroit Lions, Harmon’s presence could be a major boost for a Steelers defense that’s been up and down against the run.
Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted earlier in the week that Harmon was physically ready to suit up for Monday night’s game against the Dolphins, but the team opted to play it safe. It wasn’t just about the knee - Harmon’s still early in his NFL journey, and the staff didn’t want to rush him back into a high-stakes situation without a full week of prep.
Now, with a full practice under his belt and a return to his hometown of Detroit on deck, Harmon looks poised to rejoin the rotation. And make no mistake - Pittsburgh needs him.
Harmon’s Return Comes at a Crucial Moment
Even in a limited sample size, Harmon has shown why the Steelers spent a first-round pick on him. He’s been a disruptive force in the trenches, especially against the run. And without him, the cracks in Pittsburgh’s run defense have been hard to ignore.
Over the last three weeks - all without Harmon - the Steelers gave up over 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games against the Bills and Ravens. That’s not just a bad stretch, it’s a red flag.
Against Miami, a team that had rushed for 164+ yards in four straight games, Pittsburgh managed to tighten things up, holding the Dolphins to just 63 yards on the ground. That performance came without both Harmon and T.J.
Watt, and it was a testament to the depth and resilience of this defense.
But Detroit brings a different kind of challenge.
Detroit’s Ground Game Is the Real Deal
The Lions may not have the same week-to-week explosiveness as Miami, but they’re as consistent as they come when it comes to running the football. Detroit ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards despite sitting just 20th in total attempts - a sign of efficiency and commitment to their ground game.
The formula is simple: when the Lions run for over 100 yards, they win. They’re 8-1 in those games.
When they don’t? They’re 0-5.
That stat alone underscores just how important it is for Pittsburgh to control the line of scrimmage - and that’s where Harmon comes in.
In the five games Harmon has missed this season, the Steelers have allowed an average of 165.6 rushing yards per game. When he’s on the field?
That number drops to just 96. It’s a stark contrast that speaks volumes about his impact.
Harmon’s Return Bolsters a Growing Defensive Line
The good news for Pittsburgh is that Harmon doesn’t have to shoulder the load alone. Fellow rookie Yahya Black and second-year man Esezi Otomewo have stepped up in recent weeks, with both turning in strong performances against the Dolphins.
Their emergence gives the Steelers flexibility - they don’t need to rush Harmon back into a full workload. But make no mistake: they’ll need him to be effective right away.
Detroit’s offensive line is physical, disciplined, and built to wear down defenses over four quarters. Harmon’s size, strength, and ability to anchor against double teams could be the difference between the Steelers controlling the tempo or spending the afternoon chasing running backs into the secondary.
Final Thoughts
For a Steelers team still fighting to stay in the playoff picture, every game from here on out is a must-win. And while the offense continues to find its rhythm, the defense - particularly the front seven - will need to set the tone.
Getting Derrick Harmon back is more than just a feel-good story about a rookie returning home. It’s a critical piece of the puzzle as Pittsburgh tries to slow down one of the NFL’s most efficient rushing attacks.
If Harmon can pick up where he left off, the Steelers just might have the edge they need to keep Detroit under 100 yards - and keep themselves in the hunt.