The Pittsburgh Steelers made a roster move ahead of their pivotal AFC North matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. Pittsburgh waived cornerback Terell Smith and activated defensive tackle Derrick Harmon from injured reserve.
The Steelers and Bengals are both 6-2, with the winner taking sole possession of first place in the division. Pittsburgh enters the road game as a 3.5-point underdog.
## Steelers Waive Terell Smith
Smith has played in one game for Pittsburgh this season. The cornerback has appeared in 27 NFL games over his career, recording 69 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
A Minnesota product, Smith was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He played 12 games as a rookie, including four starts, and finished with 49 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. In 2024, he appeared in 14 games, made two starts and recorded 19 tackles, four passes defensed and an interception.
Smith suffered a torn patellar tendon during the preseason and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. After missing the entire 2025 season, he was released during final roster cuts and joined the Washington Commanders’ practice squad. Pittsburgh signed him to its active roster on October 6.
The corresponding move for Smith’s departure was the activation of Harmon, a defensive tackle, from injured reserve.
## Mike McCarthy Looks Ahead to AFC North Battle
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of divisional games as Pittsburgh prepares to face Cincinnati.
“There’s nothing like this division. I probably said the same thing when I was in the other divisions,” McCarthy said before practice. “But divisional football is the best. I love it.”
With both teams tied at 6-2, the game offers more than a win: the victor will move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North and gain the advantage in the division race.
