After missing the past three games — and five overall — in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers because of knee injuries, first-round pick Derrick Harmon is expected to return Sunday when the Steelers face the Detroit Lions.
It will be a special moment for Harmon — and not because he was born and raised in the Motor City.
“I’m more excited to get back on the field than going back home,” Harmon said Thursday afternoon. “Of course, it’s nice to go back home and play in front of family. I’ve played on that field from Little League to high school, so I know what it’s about. I want to get back on the field with my brothers.”
Harmon was a full practice participant Thursday for the second day in a row. Coach Mike Tomlin said Harmon would have dressed Monday night against the Miami Dolphins, but he held Harmon out as a precaution.
“I was a little agitated, but I know Coach T is looking out for the best for the team and for me,” Harmon said.
Harmon estimates he has made three appearances at the Ford Field. The last two came when he was at Loyola High School as part of the Catholic League playoffs. Asked about playing indoors on an artificial surface that was upgraded in 2023 — when Harmon was in college — the massive defensive tackle didn’t hesitate with his answer.
“It’s football,” he said. “It’s football.”
Harmon grew up admiring Lions star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, a former No. 2 overall pick who spent his first five NFL seasons with the Lions. Now, Harmon will have a chance to play in front of friends and family Sunday in his hometown.
Harmon doesn’t know how many family members will be in attendance. He can only request a limited amount of tickets from the Steelers.
“I’ve been getting a lot of texts,” he said, “but once I found it was coming out of my checking account…”