Just Before Crunch-Time Road Game, Steelers Unexpectedly Receive Defensive "Gift" That Could Change the Outcome of Lions Matchup
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – December 19, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a decisive stretch of the season with mounting pressure, but just before a demanding road trip to Detroit, the black-and-gold received the defensive boost they’ve been waiting weeks for. Derrick Harmon, the Steelers’ first-round pick, has returned to full practice and is ready to rejoin the lineup — timely news as Pittsburgh prepares to face a Lions team that thrives on a disciplined, physical rushing attack.
Harmon missed the past three games with a knee injury. While he was medically close to returning earlier, the coaching staff under Mike Tomlin opted for a cautious approach to protect both his health and rhythm. That patience now appears to be paying off as the Steelers look to have their defense at full strength for a matchup that could shape their playoff outlook.
“We’re always looking at the bigger picture,” Tomlin said. “His return isn’t just about adding a name back to the lineup — it’s about restoring the structure and defensive strength we’re built on. Derrick did everything the right way during his recovery, and when players like that come back, the entire unit functions more smoothly and is ready for what’s ahead.”
Harmon’s impact on the Steelers’ run defense has been unmistakable. In the five games he missed, Pittsburgh allowed an average of 165.6 rushing yards per game. In contests where Harmon played, that number dropped to 96 yards per game — a swing large enough to alter outcomes, especially in tight road environments.
Detroit presents the perfect measuring stick for that return. The Lions boast the fifth-ranked rushing offense in the NFL, and this season they are 8–1 when surpassing 100 rushing yards. Their style isn’t flashy, but it’s steady and relentless, forcing opponents to win battles in the trenches snap after snap.
During Harmon’s absence, young contributors like Yahya Black and Esezi Otomewo stepped up admirably, including a standout performance against the Dolphins when Pittsburgh allowed just 63 rushing yards. Still, the Lions represent a different level of challenge — one that demands depth, rotation, and discipline across all four quarters.
With Harmon back, the Steelers can manage their defensive workload more effectively, maintain intensity throughout the game, and avoid letting momentum slip during critical moments. That’s the kind of “gift” Pittsburgh needed — not to create noise, but to shape the game on its own terms.
As they head into a high-pressure road test, the Steelers aren’t just welcoming back a player. They’re reclaiming their defensive identity, and that restoration could prove to be the defining difference when they take the field in Detroit.
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