After the Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, they will look towards the regular season in the quest for the franchise’s seventh Super Bowl trophy.
With new quarterback Aaron Rodgers on track to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers with first-year Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, head coach Mike Tomlin will have a promising roster to help continue his reign of seasons without a losing record.
The Steelers were able to get a haul in the 2025 NFL Draft as well. But after going down with an injury in Pittsburgh’s final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin could be without the team’s first-round pick.
Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon exits preseason finale vs. Panthers
In the second quarter of the Steelers’ final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, first-round pick Derrick Harmon landed awkwardly while rushing the passer and injured his knee. He was later carted off, and NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that he won’t be returning to the game.
Harmon, 22, was selected in the first round (No. 21 overall) in the 2025 draft. In his final year in college, the defensive tackle transferred to Oregon from Michigan State and took off for the Ducks. Finishing the 2024 season with 45 total tackles, two pass defenses, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The severity of the knee injury remains unclear, but more information will be announced in the coming days. His status for the Steelers’ regular-season opener against the New York Jets on Sept. 7 could be in jeopardy.
