Steelers’ Mike Tomlin announces Week 3 injury status for 2025 first-round pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rough start to the 2025 NFL season, with a record of 0-2 heading into Week 3. But despite their struggles, head coach Mike Tomlin remains optimistic about the team’s chances moving forward. One of the key players who Tomlin had high hopes for this season was Derrick Harmon, the team’s first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Harmon, a talented running back out of Alabama, was expected to make an immediate impact for the Steelers. However, his rookie season has been marred by injuries, with a nagging hamstring issue keeping him sidelined for the first two games of the season. As the team prepares to face off against the New England Patriots in Week 3, Tomlin provided an injury update on Harmon’s status.

During his weekly press conference, Tomlin addressed the media and provided some insight into Harmon’s progress. “Derrick has been working hard to rehab his hamstring injury,” Tomlin said. “He’s been putting in extra time with the training staff and doing everything he can to get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Tomlin went on to explain that while Harmon had made some progress, he was still considered day-to-day and his status for the upcoming game against the Patriots was uncertain. “We’re taking it one day at a time with Derrick,” Tomlin said. “We want to make sure he’s fully healthy before we put him back out there, so we’re not going to rush anything.”

The news of Harmon’s injury was disappointing for both the team and fans alike. Many had high expectations for the young running back, hoping he would provide a much-needed spark to the Steelers’ struggling offense. With injuries to key players like quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, the team was in desperate need of a playmaker to step up and help turn their season around.

Despite the setback, Tomlin expressed confidence in Harmon’s ability to bounce back from the injury and make an impact for the team once he was healthy. “Derrick is a tough kid with a strong work ethic,” Tomlin said. “I have no doubt that he will come back even stronger from this injury and make a significant contribution to our team this season.”

As the week progressed, Harmon continued to rehab his hamstring injury under the watchful eye of the team’s training staff. He worked tirelessly to strengthen the muscle and improve his mobility, determined to get back on the field as soon as possible. The coaching staff closely monitored his progress, providing updates to the media and fans along the way.

Finally, as game day approached, Tomlin made the decision to activate Harmon for the matchup against the Patriots. The news was met with excitement from both the team and fans, who were eager to see what the talented rookie could bring to the field. Harmon was listed as questionable on the injury report, but he had shown enough progress in practice to earn a spot on the game day roster.

When game time arrived, Harmon took the field with a renewed sense of purpose. He was determined to make the most of his opportunity and prove to his teammates and coaches that he was ready to contribute at a high level. As the game unfolded, Harmon showcased his explosive speed and elusiveness, breaking off several big runs and making key plays in crucial moments.

Despite the Steelers ultimately falling to the Patriots, Harmon’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing game. He finished with over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown, showing flashes of the potential that had made him a first-round pick. Tomlin praised Harmon’s efforts after the game, emphasizing the impact he had on the team in his return from injury.

Looking ahead, Harmon’s future with the Steelers looks bright. With his injury behind him, he is poised to become a key contributor to the team’s offense and a player to watch for years to come. Tomlin and the coaching staff have high expectations for the young running back, believing that he has the talent and work ethic to become a star in the league.

As the season progresses, Harmon will continue to work hard and improve his game, striving to reach his full potential and help lead the Steelers to success. With his injury in the rearview mirror, the sky is the limit for Derrick Harmon and his future in the NFL. The Steelers organization and fans alike are excited to see what the talented rookie will accomplish in the weeks and months to come.

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Source: Sporting News