Iowa Hawkeyes Duo Ready to Step Up for Steelers After Key Injury
There’s no position in football where depth proves more critical than the defensive line. The physical toll on linemen is relentless, leading to frequent rotations and inevitable injuries. Successful teams build their rosters with that in mind, ensuring they have five or six reliable options who can seamlessly step in when called upon.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to test that philosophy—and a pair of former Iowa Hawkeyes are ready for the challenge.
During Thursday night’s preseason finale, first-round pick Derrick Harmon suffered an MCL sprain, sidelining him for approximately a month. While the injury isn’t season-ending, it creates an opening for others to shine. Enter Logan Lee and Yahya Black, two former Iowa standouts now wearing the black and gold.
Black wasted no time in making his presence felt. The 6-foot-6, 343-pound rookie dominated against the Carolina Panthers, recording five tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble in a breakout performance. His effort earned him the highest Pro Football Focus grade among all Steelers defenders that night—solidifying what has already been an impressive camp.
Lee, a sixth-round pick in 2024, also contributed with three tackles. Beyond his work on the line, his versatility—including filling in as an emergency long snapper—has made him an invaluable depth piece. While his immediate snap count may be limited, he’s only one injury away from a more prominent role.
For both players, the moment represents more than just filling a gap. It’s an opportunity to carve out meaningful roles on a Steelers team with postseason ambitions. Iowa fans, no strangers to gritty defensive linemen, will be watching closely as Black and Lee look to turn this chance into long-term success in the NFL.
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