Steelers Will Adjust Defense Without Derrick Harmon
The team faces a defensive shift for Sunday's game following Derrick Harmon's unavailability.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Football
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Will the Steelers defense successfully stop the run without Derrick Harmon this Sunday?
The Pittsburgh Steelers must restructure their defensive front for the upcoming game on Sunday, October 11, 2026, as Derrick Harmon remains unavailable. The unit aims to improve its performance after allowing 54 points over the previous two weeks.
Why it matters
Harmon's presence is statistically critical to the Steelers' run defense, which allowed 78 fewer rushing yards per game when he played last season compared to when he sat out. Addressing this vulnerability is essential as the team looks to contain opposing runners and stabilize their defensive effort.
Last season, the Steelers allowed 88 rushing yards per game with Derrick Harmon in the lineup, a figure that nearly doubled to 166 yards when he was sidelined. Additionally, the defense has surrendered 54 total points across the team's previous two games.
The players
Derrick Harmon
He is a defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers whose presence is associated with significantly better run defense metrics.
Keeanu Benton
He is a Steelers defensive player who secured a four-year, $72 million contract during the most recent offseason.
Yahya Black
He is a defensive player for the Steelers who recorded five tackles against the Cleveland Browns and four against Cincinnati.
Jonathan Taylor
He is a professional running back who previously recorded 45 yards on 14 carries during a game at Acrisure Stadium.
Sebastian Joseph-Day
He is a member of the Steelers defensive unit who has participated in 60 defensive snaps so far this season.
The details
Steelers players are focusing on maintaining gap discipline and utilizing 11 personnel to contain the run. Keeanu Benton, who signed a four-year, $72 million contract, is expected to see a larger role alongside contributors like Yahya Black, who recorded five tackles against the Cleveland Browns.
Timeline
Last season the Steelers defense allowed 88 rushing yards per game with Derrick Harmon playing.
Jonathan Taylor scored five touchdowns over the previous two weeks.
The Steelers play their next game this upcoming Sunday.
Season Trajectory
The absence of Derrick Harmon forces the Steelers to rely on depth pieces like Keeanu Benton to maintain the integrity of their defensive front. This adjustment will define whether the team can revert to its baseline run-defense efficiency and stabilize their standing following a recent high-scoring stretch from opponents.
The Steelers must rotate reserve linemen like Gabriel Rubio or Kevin Jobity to compensate for the missing production in the defensive interior. Fantasy managers should monitor whether these rotational shifts increase opportunities for opposing running backs to exploit gaps in the middle of the field.
The takeaway
Maintaining gap integrity across the entire defensive line is the primary objective for the Steelers without their starter. Players must rely on disciplined rotation to compensate for the increased rushing yards typically allowed when a key interior lineman is absent.
Further reading
For more on the current team outlook, visit the Pittsburgh Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Audacy.
Live Poll
Will the Steelers defense successfully stop the run without Derrick Harmon this Sunday?
