PITTSBURGH — Just hours before the lights come on for Monday Night Football, the Pittsburgh Steelers are suddenly dealing with a wave of uncertainty that could reshape their matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is officially questionable, while three Steelers have already been ruled out, creating unexpected tension for a team that has otherwise moved smoothly through the 2025 NFL season.
For much of the year, Pittsburgh’s success has been built on consistency—especially on defense. That’s why Harmon’s status looms so large. His presence in the middle has helped anchor the front, disrupt timing, and set the tone early in games. Without clarity on whether he’ll be available, the Steelers are being forced to prepare multiple defensive looks, a challenge magnified by Miami’s speed and misdirection.
The confirmed absences hurt just as much. Losing three players outright ahead of a nationally televised game is never ideal, but it’s particularly risky against a Dolphins team designed to punish mistakes. Miami thrives on exploiting mismatches and forcing defenses into uncomfortable personnel decisions. Depth will be tested. Communication will matter. One missed assignment could turn into a momentum-shifting play under the prime-time spotlight.
Still, the Steelers aren’t panicking. Inside the locker room, the tone remains confident. This is a roster that prides itself on next-man-up mentality, and the coaching staff has spent all season emphasizing preparation over panic. Younger players and rotational pieces now have a chance to prove they belong, especially with the entire league watching.
Monday night games have a way of revealing character. The Steelers know that injuries are part of the grind, but how they respond will say a lot about who they are as a contender. A strong defensive showing despite the absences would reinforce their reputation as one of the AFC’s toughest teams. A slow start, however, could invite questions about depth and durability heading into the most demanding stretch of the season.
For Miami, the situation presents opportunity. The Dolphins arrive healthy, aggressive, and eager to capitalize on any weakness. They’ll test Pittsburgh early, pushing tempo and forcing decisions before the defense can settle in.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes remain on the final injury updates—especially Harmon’s status. One announcement could steady the ship. Another could raise even more questions. Either way, the Steelers are heading into Monday night knowing the margin for error just narrowed.
Under the lights, with injuries looming and expectations high, Pittsburgh’s response may define not just this game—but the tone of the rest of its season.
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