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Derrick Harmon

NFL DB Injury Updates: Seahawks, Steelers, Gonzalez, Bland, Johnson

September 12th, 2025 at 4:21pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Seahawks are nursing a banged-up secondary heading into Week 2 and will likely be without starting cornerback Devon Witherspoon and first-round safety Nick Emmanwori.

Witherspoon played every snap in Week 1 but didn’t practice this week due to a knee injury. He’s listed as doubtful on Seattle’s injury report and seems very unlikely to take the field. The injury is not thought to be serious, said head coach Mike Macdonald (via Michael Shawn-Dugar of The Athletic).

Emmanwori only played four snaps in his NFL debut before going down with a high ankle sprain. He didn’t participate this week, either, and was ruled out for Sunday’s game. Macdonald added that Emmanwori will avoid injured reserve for right now after mentioning the possibility earlier in the week, per Shawn-Dugar.

Witherspoon’s absence this weekend will force another Seahawks defender to step up in the slot, a decision that will be further complicated with Emmanwori sidelined. He could have been another option at nickel or lined up at safety with Julian Love in the slot; instead, Seattle will have to flip an outside cornerback into the slot or put inexperienced third-year safety Ty Okada on the field.

Here are some other secondary injury updates from around the NFL:

Steelers’ Derrick Harmon Out For Week 1; Cameron Heyward Expected To Play

September 2nd, 2025 at 3:30pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

As expected, the Steelers’ defensive line will be without first-round pick Derrick Harmon for their Week 1 matchup with the Jets, but head coach Mike Tomlin is hopeful that veteran Cameron Heyward will take the field.

“I’m certainly expecting Cam to play,” said Tomlin on Tuesday (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “There are no reservations about his participation or his readiness. I’m sure he’s champing at the bit.”

Heyward, however, would only offer a “we’ll see” when asked about his Week 1 availability on his Not Just Football podcast, per Pryor. The 36-year-old has been dissatisfied with his contract and briefly engaged in a hold-in during training camp as he sought a pay raise.

Heyward returned to practice on August 19 without a deal, but that may not guarantee that he takes the field on Sunday. He previously hinted that he would consider sitting out regular season games as long as his contract remained unaddressed. On his podcast, Heyward said that there were no updates on that front.

The Steelers seem prepared to call his bluff. Though Heyward is still pushing for more 2025 compensation, according to Pryor, Tomlin expressed confidence that his All-Pro defensive tackle would play in Week 1.

An absence from Heyward would leave the Steelers scrambling to field a starting defensive line with Harmon also sidelined. Nose tackle Keeanu Benton would likely be joined by Isaiah Loudermilk and Yahya Black, according to the Steelers’ depth chart.

NFL Injury Updates: Fisher, 49ers, Samuel

August 23rd, 2025 at 11:14am CST by Nikhil Mehta

Texans right tackle Blake Fisher is dealing with a mild ankle sprain that will sideline him for an indeterminate amount of time, according to KRPC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Fisher suffered the injury in last Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Panthers and missed practice this week. His absence, if it extends into the regular season, will add another wrinkle to Houston’s plans at tackle.

The Texans already overhauled the position this offseason. They traded Laremy Tunsil to the Commanders and replaced him by aqcuiring Cam Robinson from the Vikings. Houston also signed veteran Trent Brown in free agency and drafted Aireontae Ersery in the second round of April’s draft. Along with Fisher and Tytus Howard, who combined to play every snap at right tackle in 2024, the Texans have a variety of options on either end of their offensive line.

Robinson returned to the field this week after missing a few practices with a minor leg injury. He has been splitting first-team LT reps with Ersery. The rookie has been cross-training at right tackle as well, but only lined up on the blind side during the preseason. With Brown still on the physically unable to perform list, Howard has been playing right tackle in camp and sat out both preseason games, suggesting he will start in Week 1. Fisher started both preseason games at right tackle; if his ankle has recovered by the start of the regular season, he’ll likely be the Texans’ swing tackle.

As teams prepare to finalize their initial 53-man rosters by the Tuesday deadline, here is the latest from the injury front:

Steelers’ Derrick Harmon To Miss Time; IR Move Not Expected

August 22nd, 2025 at 5:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

5:54pm: It looks like the Steelers will carry Harmon on their 53-man roster to open the season. Because Harmon is expected to be healthy at some point during the season’s first four weeks, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac notes the team is unlikely to use an IR-return spot here.

3:23pm: The knee injury Derrick Harmon sustained Thursday night will force him to miss regular-season time. The Steelers’ first-round pick suffered an MCL sprain, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports.

This injury can produce varying timetables, but Rapoport notes the expectation is the Steelers rookie misses around a month. That would make him a candidate for one of Pittsburgh’s two IR-return spots next week; such a move would mandate a four-game absence from the No. 21 overall pick.

Mike Tomlin said last night (via Bleacher Report’s James Palmer) Harmon suffered a “knee sprain of some description,” foreshadowing this diagnosis. This certainly could have been worse for the Steelers, as Harmon was carted off the field during the team’s preseason finale. But the Steelers will not have the Oregon product in Week 1 and most likely for longer than that.

If the Steelers stash Harmon on IR, they would save a roster spot next week. Harmon being placed on IR early would have him immediately count as one of Pittsburgh’s eight regular-season injury activations. The Steelers could also go week to week here, keeping Harmon on the active roster in the event Harmon is ready to return before Week 5, but that would mean carrying an injured player for multiple weeks to open the season.

It would make sense for the Steelers to proceed with a Harmon IR placement Tuesday since he will be healthy enough to play early in the season. The team would understandably want to make sure the interior D-lineman is healthy before debuting, and this would add a healthy player in his place during that recovery.

This offseason brought more Cameron Heyward contract drama, as the likely Hall of Fame-bound defensive tackle pushed for a raise via a short-lived hold-in. Despite being willing to miss games to make his point, Heyward returned to practice ahead of Pittsburgh’s preseason game. No Harmon early would mean the Steelers will be forced to count on Heyward once again, which could be interesting regarding his pursuit of a raise. Harmon is in place as a Heyward heir apparent of sorts, but this season will feature the two lining up together on Pittsburgh’s D-line. The team will need to wait a bit for that happens.

Steelers DL Derrick Harmon, CB Beanie Bishop In Line For Starting Roles

June 16th, 2025 at 11:28am CST by Adam La Rose

Spring practices did not settle any position battles around the NFL, of course. In the case of the Steelers, though, a pair of young defenders are in line for first-team action on a permanent basis pending on how training camp shakes out.

Derrick Harmon was among the five interior defensive linemen who were selected during the opening round of this year’s draft. As Pittsburgh’s top choice (No. 21 overall), expectations will be high regarding production during his rookie season. Harmon will have plenty of opportunities to make an impact.

When speaking about the Oregon product, defensive line coach Karl Dunbar confirmed (via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic) Harmon will begin the year as a defensive tackle starter. With no padded practices taking place until training camp, offensive and defensive linemen can often struggle to make an impact during spring practices. Given the Steelers’ depth beyond Cameron Heyward along the defensive interior, though, Harmon represents a logical candidate to handle a heavy workload right away in the NFL.

Heyward is entering his age-36 season and 2025 marks the final year of his current deal with guaranteed salary. Harmon – who led all FBS D-linemen in quarterback pressures during his standout senior campaign with the Ducks -will be tasked with establishing himself as a long-term stalwart along the interior especially once Heyward’s career ends. For at least one year, though, they will operate as a tandem.

Elsewhere on the Steelers’ roster, Beanie Bishop appears to be positioned for an uptick in usage. The 2024 UDFA saw notable playing time early in his rookie season, but his role shrank once veteran Cameron Sutton returned from suspension. As DeFabo notes, though, Bishop has moved toward a full-time position as Pittsburgh’s slot corner for this season. Joey Porter Jr. and free agent signing Darius Slay will be handle starting duties on the perimeter, and the team has made additions capable of playing in the slot. Bishop is aware of that competition as he prepares for training camp.

“At the end of the day, they still don’t have a lot of money invested in me,” Bishop said (via DeFabo). “They obviously drafted a guy [seventh-rounder Donte Kent] this year. Brought in [free agent Brandin Echols]. So I’m never just comfortable and like, ‘Oh yeah, this is my spot.’”

Bishop wound up logging a 50% defensive snap share last season, and a strong summer performance could pave the way for an ever larger figure in 2025. He and Harmon will each play a notable role in Pittsburgh’s efforts to rebound from an underwhelming finish to the campaign last year.

Steelers Sign Round 1 DL Derrick Harmon, Wrap Draft Class Deals

May 21st, 2025 at 5:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Add the Steelers to the list of teams to have their first-round pick under contract. Pittsburgh agreed to terms with defensive lineman Derrick Harmon on Wednesday, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes.

Harmon’s rookie pact, as the No. 21 overall pick, will run through 2028. The Steelers will have a fifth-year option on the contract, one the team must exercise by May 2028. The Oregon alum will be tied to a fully guaranteed $17.97MM deal. Harmon is the first D-lineman the Steelers have drafted in Round 1 since Cameron Heyward in 2011.

While the Steelers will pair Heyward and Harmon this season, the Oregon prospect profiles as one the team will hope anchors the D-line after Heyward retires. Two seasons remain on Heyward’s deal, though no guarantees are in place beyond 2025. Heyward is heading into his age-36 season; Harmon will not turn 22 until August.

Viewed as a clear landing spot for either Jaxson Dart or Shedeur Sanders, the Steelers instead fortified a D-line by adding a first-rounder alongside Heyward and 2023 second-rounder Keeanu Benton. The Giants were leery of the Steelers’ QB need at No. 21, but New York’s front office expected Pittsburgh to pass. This led to Big Blue trading up (via the Texans) at No. 25 for Dart, a player the Steelers are believed to have graded as a first-round talent.

Pittsburgh’s Aaron Rodgers wait has surpassed two months now, but the organization remains optimistic. The team entered the draft aiming to take its swing for a long-term QB — after missing on Kenny Pickett — in either the 2025 or ’26 drafts. The Harmon pick points such a move to 2026, as the Steelers added an extra third-round pick via the post-draft George Pickens trade with the Cowboys.

Harmon put up career-best numbers during his one season at Oregon. The Michigan State transfer posted five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, helping the Ducks to the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The 311-pounder’s quickness and power make him a menace inside the tackles, but he also showed the ability to line up outside. Although Heyward played sparingly as a rookie 14 years ago, the Steelers will likely turn to Harmon as an immediate regular along their D-line.

This signing wraps the Steelers’ draft class contracts. Here is how Pittsburgh’s class looks heading into OTAs:

Steelers Draft DT Derrick Harmon At No. 21

April 24th, 2025 at 9:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Steelers have neither added a quarterback at No. 21 nor traded down. Pittsburgh has instead selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon.

As the shots of Shedeur Sanders created intrigue leading up to the pick, the Steelers went another way with their first-round choice. Harmon will bring a younger piece alongside Cam Heyward up front in Pittsburgh, which has tabled its much-publicized QB need.

A recent report also indicated the Steelers had placed a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, but that same offering noted Harmon was a Round 1 target. Harmon relocated to Eugene after three years at Michigan State, using his Ducks stay to solidify first-round status. He had entered Thursday as a lock to go in Round 1, and the Steelers made him the fourth interior D-lineman off the board. The Steelers brought Harmon in on a “30” visit as well. Although he checked in as a lower-profile pick compared to Sanders, it is becoming clear the gap between Cam Ward and the other QB talents in this prospect pool is wide.

A three-star recruit, Harmon entered the transfer portal after the Spartans fired HC Mel Tucker. After briefly recommitting to Michigan State, he reentered and chose Oregon. With the Ducks, Harmon put up career-best numbers by registering five sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The 311-pounder’s quickness and power make him a menace inside the tackles, but he also showed the ability to line up outside. This could give the Steelers options, as Heyward prepares to play an age-36 season after securing an extension last year.

The Steelers have been connected to Dart as recently as today, but they came into the draft not planning to use a first-round pick on a quarterback. They join the Browns, Giants and Saints to have punted on a QB need in Round 1, creating an interesting situation to close out the night. The Steelers are still courting Aaron Rodgers, after nearly two months, and could circle back to Kirk Cousins. Omar Khan and Co. wanted to make a QB investment in this draft or in 2026. The Steelers traded their second-round pick for D.K. Metcalf, however, limiting their options after the Harmon move.

Steelers Have 1st-Round Grade On Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart

April 20th, 2025 at 10:09pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Steelers have a first-round grade on Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, though that does not mean they’ll prioritize the position over other needs in next week’s draft.

Instead, Dulac writes, Pittsburgh will likely target a defensive lineman or even a running back with their first-round pick. Both positions have projected top-10 picks (Michigan’s Mason Graham, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty) who are not expected to fall to the Steelers with multiple second-tier talents that should be available at No. 21.

The team’s defensive line targets include Georgia’s Walter Nolen, Oregon’s Derrick Harmon, and Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, per Dulac. At running back, Pittsburgh could target North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton or Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson, though they may wait until Day 2 to pick from a deep class.

Pittsburgh used 17 of their top-30 pre-draft visits on defensive linemen and running backs, another indication that their first-round pick will target one of the two positions.

The Steelers’ top brass also did their homework on this year’s quarterback class. They have a first-round grade on Dart and “really like” Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, per Dulac, making both potential options with the 21st round pick if the talent at DL and RB thins out. The team also scouted a number of Day 2 quarterbacks via pro days and top-30 visits.

Ultimately, though, it’s hard to believe that the Steelers would pass up the opportunity to draft a potential franchise quarterback after cycling through a half-dozen starters since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. They may still sign Aaron Rodgers to start this year, but they have no long-term options on the roster and a clear desire to add one. It would be strange to have first-round grades on Dart and potentially Sanders but prioritize other positions when quarterback is such a dire need in 2025 and beyond.

Oregon DT Derrick Harmon A 1st-Round Lock?

April 20th, 2025 at 3:50pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

NFL front offices expected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon to go in the first round of next week’s draft, according to Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post.

Michigan’s Mason Graham is widely considered the draft’s top DT, but there’s no clear No. 2 behind him. That could be Harmon, who has earned praise for his schematic versatility as a run defender and a pass rusher.

“He fits whatever defense you want to run if you know what you’re doing,” said one evaluator (via La Canfora), who listed the Steelers and the Ravens as fits for Harmon’s physical, disruptive play style. Harmon is on Pittsburgh’s list of first-round targets, and he’s frequently been mocked to Baltimore in the last two months. Both AFC North squads are returning two of their starting defensive linemen, but each lost a key veteran this offseason.

The Steelers will have Cameron Heyward for a 15th consecutive year alongside 2023 second-rounder Keeanu Benton, who has played better than his limited production would suggest. Pittsburgh moved on from Larry Ogunjobi in March and didn’t add replacement-level talent in free agency. Harmon would be an instant member of the Steelers’ starting DL rotation and could potentially take over for the soon-to-be 36-year-old Heyward in the long term.

The Ravens have Nnamdi Madubuike locked down through 2027, but 2022 third-rounder Travis Jones is entering a contract year and Broderick Washington could be a cap casualty after the 2025 season. Veteran nose tackle Michael Pierce retired in March as well, making defensive line a short- and long-term need for the Ravens in the draft.

Harmon making it to Pittsburgh at no. 21 or Baltimore at no. 27 feels unlikely at this point with a number of other teams, including the division-rival Bengals, looking to add a premier defensive linemen earlier in the first round.

Draft Rumors: Dolphins, Johnson, Harmon

April 11th, 2025 at 10:02pm CST by Ely Allen

The Dolphins are reportedly doing some homework on high-ranked tight end prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Though, at No. 13 overall, Miami may be out of range of top tight end prospect Tyler Warren of Penn State, the team took a look at two options that could be around for their second-round pick.

According to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network, LSU’s Mason Taylor was onsite yesterday. Taylor is the son of Dolphins legend Jason Taylor. The younger Taylor is projected to be a fringe first-round prospect, but with tight ends, the ranges can certainly be wider. Taylor did a top-30 visit with the Browns on Monday and has also visited the Seahawks and Chargers.

Earlier this week, the Dolphins also hosted local tight prospect Elijah Arroyo out of Miami (FL), per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Arroyo had a breakout season for the Hurricanes this year and caught lots of attention at the Senior Bowl. After visiting Miami on Monday, Arroyo met with the Browns on Tuesday and Giants on Wednesday. Mike Cugno of CBS Sports adds that teammates Xavier Restrepo and Arroyo have both spent plenty of time around the Dolphins facility in the last couple of days.

Miami saw veteran Jonnu Smith rival Tyreek Hill in the receiving game for the Dolphins last year, but Smith’s contract expires after this season, so Taylor or Arroyo may be viewed as strong TE2 options or potential tight ends of the future.

Here are a few other draft visits we’ve seen reported in recent days:

  • All-American running back Kaleb Johnson has been making the rounds lately. After visiting the Steelers last weekend, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 adds that Johnson has visited the Titans, Broncos, Texans, and Bengals. Johnson is widely considered the third-best running back prospect in the class behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. Based on interest from the Titans, Johnson could go anywhere from the early-second to early-third round.
  • Per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon visited the Jets yesterday. He hasn’t often been mocked in range of the Jets‘ No. 7 overall pick so far, but he could certainly be a candidate to find New York early in the second round or perhaps in the late-first, should the Jets opt to trade back up. Garafolo notes that Harmon has also visited the Browns and Steelers this week.
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