Overview
- The Steelers designated defensive tackle Derrick Harmon to return from injured reserve, which the team announced Wednesday, and that action opened the NFL‑mandated 21‑day practice and activation window.
- Harmon was placed on IR after a foot injury suffered in the Week 4 loss to Cleveland and officially went on Reserve/Injured on October 10.
- Head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Harmon has returned to practice and left open the possibility the 2025 first‑round pick could be activated for the Week 10 game at Cincinnati.
- Pittsburgh’s defensive front has performed at a high level since Harmon’s injury, posting the league’s best rush success rate and fourth‑best total EPA while depth players such as Yahya Black have stepped up.
- The club must weigh short‑term need against long‑term health—Harmon’s rookie knee problems and recent foot issue make medical caution likely, and the team has until the end of the 21‑day window to activate him or place him back on season‑ending IR.