Steelers Face Early Defensive Line Setbacks as Harmon and Benton Sidelined…

Steelers Face Early Defensive Line Setbacks as Harmon and Benton Sidelined…

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering the 2025 season with an unwelcome challenge on the defensive front. Two key players, rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon and second-year lineman Keeanu Benton, are dealing with injuries that could test the depth of the team’s defensive line just weeks before the regular season begins.

Derrick Harmon, drafted in the first round out of Oregon and expected to make an immediate impact, suffered an MCL sprain in the team’s preseason finale. The injury occurred during a pivotal drive, when Harmon was seen in visible pain before being helped off the field. Initial fears pointed toward a long-term absence, but follow-up evaluations provided a more optimistic outlook.

According to team insiders, the projected recovery window is about four weeks. That timetable means Harmon may be placed on short-term injured reserve to begin the season, which would sideline him for at least the first two games. If his rehab goes smoothly, there is hope he could return to action by Week 3, giving the defense an early-season boost.

While the setback is less severe than initially feared, it still interrupts what was expected to be a fast start to Harmon’s professional career. Coaches praised his ability to clog lanes against the run and provide interior pass-rush pressure during camp. His absence, even briefly, forces adjustments in both personnel and scheme.

Compounding the issue, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton has also been dealing with an upper-body injury that forced him to miss recent practices. Benton, entering his third season in Pittsburgh, was expected to play a larger role alongside veteran Cam Heyward, particularly with Harmon’s development still underway.

Though Benton’s injury is not believed to be long-term, the timing is far from ideal. With Harmon sidelined and Benton limited, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin finds himself relying more heavily on the rotation behind the starters. This includes players such as Breiden Fehoko, DeMarvin Leal, and Isaiahh Loudermilk—depth pieces who now must be prepared for extended snaps as the season begins.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has long emphasized the importance of a “next man up” mentality, a philosophy that has defined his tenure with the Steelers. In his post-practice media availability, Tomlin acknowledged the challenges but remained firm that the team would not let injuries dictate its expectations.

“Injuries are part of football,” Tomlin stated. “We have full confidence in the men behind Derrick and Keeanu to step in and handle their business. It’s about preparation and seizing the opportunity.”

Still, Tomlin did not downplay the significance of losing two interior linemen at once. The Steelers’ defensive line has been a bedrock of their identity for decades, and maintaining that dominance is crucial if the team hopes to contend in the rugged AFC North.

With Harmon and Benton sidelined, veteran captain Cam Heyward once again shoulders the responsibility of leading a younger unit. The 36-year-old has been the emotional anchor of the defense for years, and his role becomes even more critical during stretches when younger teammates are unavailable.

Heyward, entering his 15th season, addressed the challenge head-on. “This is why depth matters,” he said. “We’ll rally together and make sure the standard stays the same. I’ve been around long enough to know these moments happen every year, and it’s about how you respond as a team.”

The Steelers open their regular season against the New York Jets, followed by a divisional showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Both opponents feature strong rushing attacks and physical offensive lines, which puts pressure on Pittsburgh’s defensive front to hold its ground despite the absences.

If Harmon does indeed return by Week 3, he could make his NFL debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. Until then, the coaching staff will likely lean on scheme adjustments, rotating personnel more frequently to keep legs fresh and minimize mismatches in the trenches.

General Manager Omar Khan has already been proactive in reshaping the roster this offseason, and these injuries may force him to keep an eye on potential additions through waivers or free agency. A veteran defensive tackle could provide a stabilizing presence if Benton’s recovery lingers longer than anticipated.

Meanwhile, second-year lineman DeMarvin Leal may be the biggest beneficiary of the extra snaps. A versatile defender who can line up both inside and outside, Leal has shown flashes of promise but has yet to establish himself as a consistent force. The current situation gives him a prime opportunity to prove his value.

The Steelers have built their reputation on defensive toughness, but the early weeks of the 2025 campaign are already testing that resilience. While Harmon’s injury appears less devastating than initially feared, the combined absence of him and Benton magnifies the importance of depth, coaching adjustments, and leadership from veterans like Heyward.

Injuries, as Tomlin often says, are unavoidable in football. The key lies in how teams respond to them. For Pittsburgh, the first month of the season will provide an immediate test of both roster construction and mental resolve.

If the reserves rise to the occasion and Harmon returns on schedule, this early bump in the road may ultimately serve as a rallying point for the defense. But until then, the Steelers face the difficult task of starting their 93rd season already shorthanded in the trenches.