Sources: Steelers' Derrick Harmon has sprained MCL, not expected to go on IR

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Aug 22, 2025

Published in Football

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PITTSBURGH — Derrick Harmon had a MRI exam Friday that confirmed the Steelers’ No. 1 draft choice has an MCL sprain that could keep him out 4-6 weeks, sources have told the Post-Gazette.

But because the Steelers have 16 days from the time of injury until the Sept. 7 opener in New York — the equivalent of two games — it is conceivable the 6-foot-4, 313-pound Harmon could miss only a couple games to start the regular season.

Harmon is not expected to be placed on the injured reserve list, which would require him to be out for at least four games.

While the news could have been worse, the Steelers are nonetheless disappointed because Harmon had been handed a starting spot on the defensive line and was beginning to show why they drafted him 21st overall.

Harmon was injured in the first quarter of Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers and was carted from the field.