Steelers' Derrick Harmon Carted Off With Foot Injury Against Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Cleveland Browns in their Week 4 matchup on the road, and they also lost a key defensive player.

Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon was carted off the field with a foot injury and was seen in a boot on the sideline in the fourth quarter. Harmon has 12 total tackles, a tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble through the first four games of the season. If he is out long-term, it will be a major loss for the Steelers' defense.

Harmon was Pittsburgh's first-round selection in 2025, and he had a solid rookie season, recording 27 total tackles, a tackle for loss, three sacks, and a pass deflection across 12 games.

The 23-year-old got off to a strong start in 2026 and was poised to post career numbers, but his injury may prevent that.

If Harmon is out for an extended period, the Steelers will lean on Keeanu Benton, Cameron Heyward, and T.J. Watt to continue performing at a high level. Benton has nine total tackles through the first four games, but hasn't generated a tackle for loss or sack yet.

In the 2025 season, he showcased his talent, recording 51 total tackles, six tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. If Benton returns to that level, it will help Pittsburgh generate more pass rush.

Heyward has had a solid start to the year with 14 total tackles, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble. The veteran will look to be more disruptive as a pass rusher in the upcoming games.

Watt has been the leader of the defense and is playing at an elite level, putting himself in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year. In four games, Watt has 13 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two pass deflections, a pick-six, and a forced fumble.

He is proving that he is still one of the best pass rushers and defensive players in the league. 

The Steelers didn't have their best performance in Week 4 against the Browns, and with the loss, they now move to 2-2. It is shaping up to be a tight battle for the AFC North, as Cleveland, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Baltimore Ravens have all been competitive.

This will make it a tough challenge for Pittsburgh to win a second straight division title, especially if Harmon is going to be out long-term.