The Pittsburgh Steelers activated defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from injured reserve on Saturday afternoon as the team prepares for a Sunday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Yahoo Sports.
To make room on the roster, the Steelers waived cornerback Terell Smith, Steelers Now reported.
Harmon, a 23-year-old first-round pick in 2025, has been sidelined for one month after sustaining a left foot injury during an Oct. 1 game against the Cleveland Browns.
Following that injury, he was carted off the field and subsequently placed on injured reserve on Oct. 5, per Steelers Now.
The defensive lineman progressed through practice this week, participating in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday before becoming a full participant on Friday.
When asked by reporters after practice on Friday about his availability for the upcoming game, Harmon remained cautious about his status by stating, “We’ll see by tomorrow.”
Despite his hesitation, Harmon noted that he felt good following the week of preparation, the outlets reported.
Harmon previously made a significant impact during the first meeting between the Steelers and the Bengals this season when he recorded a game-sealing strip sack.
During his absence, the Steelers relied heavily on defensive contributors including Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, and veteran Cam Heyward, according to Steelers Now.
Additional depth was provided by rookies Gabriel Rubio and Kevin Jobity Jr. while the team managed injuries to both Harmon and veteran Sebastian Joseph-Day, as noted by local reporting.
The return of the defensive force provides a timely boost to the Pittsburgh front as they look to defend against the Bengals in the high-stakes Sunday contest.