Harmon's preseason-ending injury for Pittsburgh reshapes the Steelers’ interior DL outlook. The rookie No. 21 pick from Oregon could miss meaningful time, forcing Keeanu Benton into bigger early-season reps beside Cameron Heyward as the unit absorbs the setback. Carolina’s Brandon Walton was the man who blocked Harmon on the play, with Jack Plummer rolling out for a highlight-reel moment before Harmon was carted off. Fantasy managers should watch the timeline closely as Benton’s role could surge and Heyward remains the steadying veteran.

Harmon’s absence would push Benton into an immediate starter-worthy role, elevating his IDP upside while compressing the Steelers’ depth at the position. The Panthers flashed pressure by design in the sequence, reminding fantasy players to monitor the matchup impact and potential shifts in Pittsburgh’s run defense and pass rush opportunities early in the season. In dynasty leagues, Benton could climb faster than expected if Harmon is sidelined, while Heyward’s leadership remains a constant anchor for the unit and the defense as a whole.