"Alex Highsmith, linebacker for the Steelers, is set to miss the game. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon could potentially make his debut."
Steelers News: Injuries, Demotions, and Anticipated Returns
The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season against the New England Patriots, and the team is dealing with a series of changes and injuries.
Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to make his NFL debut after recovering from a knee sprain sustained in the preseason. However, the Steelers are waiting for Harmon to practice before determining his status.
Unfortunately, the team will be without Alex Highsmith due to an ankle injury. Highsmith sustained the injury during Pittsburgh's game against the Seahawks and his absence will be felt this week against New England.
Rookie running back Kaleb Johnson has been demoted from the kickoff return role following an error in Sunday's game. Johnson did not field a bouncing kickoff, resulting in a Seahawks recovery for a touchdown. Coach Tomlin indicated that Johnson's demotion from the kickoff return role is not likely in the short term, but he has been given an opportunity to work his way back into the role. Johnson's error in the kickoff return role has put his participation in future games at risk.
Coach Tomlin believes in Johnson's talent and thinks he is a hard worker, but Johnson needs to earn his way back into the position. Johnson's demotion from the kickoff return role does not affect his status as a running back in the Steelers' offense. Kenneth Gainwell replaced Johnson in the kickoff return role after his error.
Safety DeShon Elliott and cornerback Joey Porter are questionable for Week 3, while linebacker Patrick Queen and defensive back Darius Slay are dealing with injuries but are likely to play.
Isaiahh Loudermilk has already been ruled out for Week 3 due to a high-ankle sprain. Harmon, a defensive tackle at Oregon, can play multiple positions on the 3-4 front, providing flexibility for the Steelers' defense.
Coach Tomlin left a light on for Johnson to give him an opportunity to move on from his error. Johnson has been told that he must display his skills with his daily work to earn his way back into the kickoff return role. Coach Tomlin did not rule out the possibility of Johnson returning to the kickoff return role in the future.
With Highsmith out, the Steelers will need to rely on other players to step up and fill the void. The team will need to find a way to overcome the challenges presented by injuries and position changes to secure a win against the Patriots.
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