Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects rookie Derrick Harmon to play on Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite missing Wednesday‘s practice. Harmon was a full participant at Thursday’s practice.
Harmon was not seen at all during the team’s 12th practice of training camp at St. Vincent College on Wednesday. Tomlin downplayed Harmon’s absence, however.
“Just minor things associated with the rigors of training camp,” he said.
Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward wants to pass the torch to rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, just like how Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel did for him.
“I’m responsible for that young man. I was brought in this league by guys taking care of me,” Heyward said during a recent interview on NFL Network ‘s Inside Training Camp Live. “And so, when I step on that field and I get a chance to talk to ’em, there’s not holding any secrets. I want ’em to be successful. I want ’em to have good technique, and then just apply on it as the years keep coming.”
Harmon has turned heads at training camp. The Steelers could have a rising star.
Harmon has looked quick, physical and strong. He’s made plays in the backfield, pressured the quarterback, dominated offensive linemen with his physicality, and generally been the best Steelers defensive lineman on the field, outside of Heyward.
According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, everyone he’s talked to in Latrobe has gushed about the play of No. 99 so far. It’s a long way to go, but optimism is rising that the Steelers’ first-round pick could have a very strong rookie season.
Harmon is trying to get two things honed in before the regular season starts.
“Really just get down down this speed of the game, ’cause this is a whole [another] speed.’” Harmon told reporters on Sunday. “And then really just hone in on this defense in my playbook. I’m in my playbook every night, so just really trying hone in on those key things.”
Many believe Harmon would have been a top 10 pick if it weren’t for injury concerns surrounding his shoulder. His MRI at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine pushed him down draft boards as it showed a partially torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum.
However, he has dismissed any worries regarding the issue since.
“Nothing’s wrong with my shoulder,” Harmon said. “I’m 100 percent healthy, ready to go.”
Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin also dismissed any worries.
“We wouldn’t have picked him unless our medical staff was comfortable with it,” Khan said after the team drafted him.
In his three seasons of college football, Harmon did not miss a single game due to injury. He played 38 games.
If Harmon can stay healthy and translate his play to the next level, he will surely have a good opportunity to earn some hardware by the end of his rookie season. Judging by how Harmon’s looked at camp, he looks like the real deal.
*Alan Saunders provided reporting from...
