The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted two defensive tacklers this year. That is turning out to be a prescient decision.
The Steelers have needed the depth on the defensive line after being hit by injuries, including first-round pick Derrick Harmon missing the last two games because of a sprained knee. Harmon was also sidelined for two games earlier in the season because of another knee injury.
The AFC North-leading Steelers (7-6) are hopeful that Harmon will be able to play when they host the Miami Dolphins (6-7) on Monday night at Acrisure Stadium. However, the play of another rookie defensive tackle, fifth-rounder Yahya Black, has softened the blow of Harmon’s latest absence.
Black made nine tackles in a loss to the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 30 and three in last Sunday’s win over the Baltimore Ravens. Black has forced two fumbles this season and has a quarterback hit while playing 36 percent of the defensive snaps. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has noticed the 6-foot-5, 336-pounder, who played collegiately at Iowa.
"Yahya is a guy that's just gotten better throughout the process," Tomlin said on Tuesday during his weekly press conference. "As I often say, one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity. Yahya has been a guy that's really taken advantage of the opportunities, not only in terms of his play but just the general growth associated with gaining in-helmet snap experience.
"So, I think it's reasonable to expect him to continue to get better. He brings a good attitude. He is getting better from a production standpoint, and I just think last Sunday was a reflection of that."
Harmon has played 51 percent of the snaps and has two sacks, one tackle for a loss, and four quarterback hits. His potential return would come at the right time as the Dolphins are eighth in the NFL in rushing, and De’Von Achane leads the league with 5.9 yards per carry.
"Can't say enough about Achane and their running game and how they've been playing behind that over the course of the last month or so," Tomlin said. "They've really anchored down and established a personality there. The offensive line is running off the ball."