Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon suffered a sprained knee during the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, requiring him to be carted off the field. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the injury as a knee sprain and indicated that Harmon will undergo further evaluation, with potential implications for the team’s defensive lineup.
Who: Derrick Harmon, a defensive tackle and the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was involved in the incident. Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, provided updates on the injury. The team’s medical staff and other players like Isaiahh Loudermilk are also relevant to the story.
What: Harmon sustained a sprained knee during the game, which was severe enough to necessitate him being carted to the locker room. The injury occurred while he was engaged with a blocker on a pass rush, leading to an awkward twist of his knee. Tomlin described it as a significant injury, one of two for the team in that game.
When: The injury happened on Thursday, August 21, 2025, during the NFL preseason finale. The game took place in the evening, and Tomlin made the comments shortly after the conclusion of the match.
Where: The event occurred at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, during the preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Carolina Panthers. The locker room and medical facilities at the stadium were where initial treatment and assessment took place.
Why: The injury was part of the physical nature of football, specifically during a pass rush attempt where Harmon was blocked. The Steelers had elected to play some starters, including Harmon, to give them additional preseason reps, which may have contributed to the risk of injury in a game that often involves intense physical contact.
How: Harmon’s knee twisted awkwardly as he was engaged with a Panthers blocker. He immediately showed signs of distress, was in tears, and had to be assisted onto a cart with a towel over his head for privacy and comfort. The medical team on site provided initial care before he was taken for further evaluation.
Impact: This injury is significant for the Steelers as Harmon was expected to start on the defensive line alongside Cameron Hayward and Keeanu Benton this season. His absence could weaken the team’s defense, especially in the interior line. It also affects Harmon personally, potentially delaying his rookie season development and causing emotional distress, as seen by his reaction on the field.
What’s next: Harmon will undergo further evaluation in the coming days to determine the severity of the sprain and any potential ligament damage. The team has not provided a timetable for his return, but veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk is expected to see increased playing time if Harmon is out for an extended period. The Steelers will need to adjust their defensive strategies and roster decisions based on the evaluation results.