STEELERS BOMBSHELL: Mike McCarthy Gets HUGE Boost as Two Key Stars Near Their Return in Pittsburgh!

PITTSBURGH — Mike McCarthy spent his bye week doing what he does best: self-scouting, scheming, and searching for answers to an offense that has been running on fumes.

On Wednesday, he got the next best thing to a trade deadline blockbuster: reinforcements.

The Steelers opened the 21-day practice window for rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is reportedly “getting close” to a return, according to McCarthy himself . The news comes at the perfect time for a 6-2 Pittsburgh team staring down a primetime showdown with the 6-2 Cincinnati Bengals for sole possession of the AFC North.

And for McCarthy, it might be the boost that saves his offense—and his season.

Harmon Is Back, and He’s Healthy

Harmon, the Steelers’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, returned to practice Wednesday as a limited participant, officially designated for return from injured reserve . He was placed on IR on October 10 after suffering a foot injury in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns.

The timing could not be better.

Before the injury, Harmon had recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in four games. That forced fumble? It came against none other than Joe Burrow in Week 3, sealing a 30-27 Steelers victory over the Bengals .

Harmon said he feels “100 percent healthy,” though the team will take his ramp-up day by day . With Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt both getting rest days Wednesday, Harmon’s presence on the interior gives Pittsburgh a legitimate rotation piece against a Bengals offense that ranks first in the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns.

“He’s a guy that can collapse the pocket,” McCarthy said earlier this season. “When you have that inside push, it changes everything.”

The Steelers have 21 days to activate Harmon or he reverts to IR for the remainder of the season . Based on Wednesday’s participation, activation seems inevitable.

Pittman “Getting Close”

The more surprising development came on the offensive side.

Michael Pittman Jr., acquired in the offseason to give Aaron Rodgers a reliable possession receiver opposite DK Metcalf, has not played since Week 4 due to a foot injury. He was expected to be a significant contributor, but through three games he has just seven receptions for 89 yards .

On Wednesday, McCarthy offered the most optimistic update yet.

“I think Michael is getting close,” McCarthy said. “I know his workout, I’m going to say Friday, was something that hopefully we can do more” .

Pittman’s practice window has not yet been opened, and CBS Sports reported earlier in the week that he would not practice this week . But McCarthy’s comments suggest that timeline could be accelerating. Pittman himself said last week he wants to return “sooner rather than later” .

The impact would be immediate. The Steelers’ receiver room has been decimated by injuries. Roman Wilson is eligible to return after the Bengals game. Ben Skowronek returned to full practice Wednesday. But Pittman is the one Rodgers has been waiting for.

“He’s a big-body target who can win on third down,” Rodgers said in October. “Those guys matter in November and December.”

McCarthy’s Real Win

The narrative entering Wednesday was about what the Steelers didn’t do—no trade deadline moves, no splashy receiver acquisition, no dramatic fix for an offense that has been criticized for being too conservative .

But McCarthy doesn’t see it that way.

“My individual focus is always on our current roster,” McCarthy said. “We’re getting guys healthy. Michael’s getting close—obviously, Roman, Max—so we’ve got good young guys, both the Brandons. We’ve got a group I’m excited to work with” .

That’s the McCarthy difference. In a league where coaches publicly lobby for front-office moves, Pittsburgh’s head coach spent his bye week taking responsibility for his own scheme rather than begging for help.

“It always starts with opportunities,” McCarthy said. “That’s where I spend the extra time, personally. Are we creating enough opportunities for our players, whether it’s space, formations, motions, matchups?”

The return of Harmon and Pittman gives McCarthy more opportunities to create.

The Stakes

Sunday night’s game at Paycor Stadium is a coin-flip for the division. Both teams are 6-2, both riding four-game win streaks, both coming off bye weeks (or, in Cincinnati’s case, an international trip to Madrid) .

The Bengals have the NFL’s most explosive passing attack. The Steelers have the NFL’s most banged-up receiver room. If Pittman returns and Harmon is activated, that equation shifts.

If they don’t, McCarthy will have to scheme his way to a sweep.

Either way, the coach who was doubted when he was hired in Pittsburgh has already won over the locker room. Now he’s getting his players back.

“November football,” McCarthy said. “These games are going to get tougher each and every week. We’re healthy. Health is so important all the time” .

For the first time in weeks, he’s telling the truth about that last part.

The Steelers are getting healthy. And the Bengals should be worried.