Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon. Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers suffer potentially massive injury to rookie Derrick Harmon

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Brogan Noey | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 8:57 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers took on the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night for the team's final preseason game. One of the main goals of the game was to get through the contest healthy, and that did not happen for the Steelers. Wide receiver Brandon Johnson went down with an injury, and rookie defensive lineman Derrick Harmon went down and had to be carted back to the locker room.

Harmon is expected to be a major contributor for Pittsburgh's defense during the 2025 season, but now his status is up in the air after having to leave the game in Carolina. Pittsburgh selected him with the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The specifics on the injury are not yet available.

I’m gonna be sick: An emotional Derrick Harmon being carted off the field. Please please don’t let it be serious. Ugh. pic.twitter.com/566Ll5CJid
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 21, 2025

The look on Harmon's face as he was being carted off did not seem to be too encouraging, but nothing can be assumed about the injury. Cam Heyward was by his side as he left the field.

NFL insider Adam Schefter was able to provide an update on the injury to Harmon, and it seems to be a knee injury, which is not the best news.

Steelers first-round DT Derrick Harmon injured his knee tonight vs. Carolina and is out.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2025

Harmon had been turning heads throughout training camp, and he has made some great plays during the preseason. The injury came during the second quarter, which might frustrate some fans as there doesn't seem to be any reason to have a starter in the game at that point. This is especially true along the defensive line, which is an area Pittsburgh has questionable depth.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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