The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the verge of getting two absolute game-changers back on the field, with Sunday’s showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals looming large. Head coach Mike McCarthy dropped the news Monday, telling Nick Farabaugh that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon are both “getting close” to making their return. Talk about a potential momentum swing right when the team needs it!
The Pittman Jr. Puzzle Piece Is Ready to Click
Let’s talk Pittman Jr. This guy’s first season in Pittsburgh has been a stop-and-start affair thanks to a pesky foot injury. The Steelers brought him in from the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, clearly expecting him to be a massive weapon, another reliable receiving option right there alongside DK Metcalf. Can you imagine Aaron Rodgers having another experienced target like that back in the mix? That’s a whole new dimension for the passing game, potentially opening up everything. Having him back, even in a limited capacity, could be exactly what the offense needs to spark some serious firepower.
Harmon’s Return: A Defensive Boost
Then there’s Derrick Harmon, the 2025 first-round pick who has been sidelined since October 1 after a foot injury against the Cleveland Browns. This kid was making waves from the jump! In his first four games, Harmon racked up 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and even forced a fumble. That’s serious production from a young defensive lineman. Getting that kind of disruptive force back on the line could breathe new life into the defense. Opposing offenses, especially the Bengals, won’t exactly be thrilled to see him crashing through the line again.
The Waiting Game for Sunday
So, while the “getting close” update is massive, Coach McCarthy played it cool, not giving a definitive answer on whether either player will actually suit up this week. Both Pittman Jr. and Harmon have been grinding, rehabbing at the team’s facility in Pittsburgh right through Friday. You know they’re itching to get back out there. The question now isn’t *if* they’ll make an impact this season, but *when* that impact starts. All eyes are on Sunday’s battle with the Bengals to see if these key contributors are ready to go, or if we’ll have to wait just a little longer for these game-changers to hit the field. The stakes are high for that matchup, and their potential return makes it even more intense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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