Steelers’ Late-Round Gem Faces Long Road Back After Brutal Injury Update

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a strong rookie draft class in 2025. First-round pick Derrick Harmon set the pace for the entire group. The defensive tackle from Oregon was a welcomed addition to the Steelers' veteran-laden, highest-paid defense, and the team also saw notable contributions from other rookies. While these youngsters don't necessarily have superstar power, it does feature capable players who should be in the NFL for years to come. For one of them, however, their journey in the NFL has another mountain to climb.

Steelers' seventh-round draft pick Donte Kent impressed throughout training camp despite being a late-round selection. The former Central Michigan cornerback ran a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash during his Pro Day, and that elite speed and versatility made him a valuable asset for both the defense and special teams. However, Kent was injured during training camp, landing him on IR.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette revealed a setback that Kent experienced during his rehab.

"I talked with Donte late in the season," Fittipaldo noted. "Tough rookie year for him, injured in camp and then went to IR. Then tried to come back late in the season and tore his ACL. He's motivated to come back stronger than ever, but because the ACL injury took place in December, he might not be ready to play for a while."

Not just an ACL injury, but one that occurs as late as December, is a major setback for Kent. The timing of this injury puts his availability for training camp and OTAs into question, and for a seventh-round pick like Kent, who is trying to prove himself, could put him on the outside looking in for the 2026 Steelers roster. 

Another factor to consider is that Mike Tomlin and most of the previous coaching regime that drafted Kent have been dismissed. The Steelers are entering a new era under Mike McCarthy, leaving Kent's future with the Steelers uncertain.

Steelers' Kent Vows To Return Stronger Than Ever

While we've talked about the obvious negatives surrounding Kent, there are legitimate reasons for optimism as well. For starters, Kent is just 24 years old and at the start of his professional career. While an ACL injury can be devastating for older players, younger players in the modern NFL often come back from torn ACLs without losing a step. For Kent, the optimism surrounding him last season in training camp has dimmed, but it can easily be rekindled if he returns and looks like his past self. 

The Steelers' 2026 rookie class will be the first under McCarthy, and the first impression that Steelers fans get of McCarthy besides free agency. The Steelers have several positions of need, not even counting the uncertainty at quarterback, as they await future Hall of Fame veteran Aaron Rodgers' decision on whether to retire or return to Pittsburgh under McCarthy. The Steelers showed throughout their rollercoaster ride last season that they are a team with talent, but are still multiple pieces away from truly competing for a Super Bowl. McCarthy's regime and Kent's play will determine Kent's fate with the Steelers, but it's hard not to root for a seventh-round draft pick that impressed throughout camp prior to injuries.

What also makes this a unique situation for the Steelers and Kent is that they truly won't know how he has recovered from his torn ACL until after the 2026 NFL Draft. While Kent's immediate future would most likely be on special teams, it's a safe assumption that Pittsburgh will address the cornerback position in some form, whether through free agency or the draft. If Kent can show he's back in form after his torn ACL, the Steelers can fill a valuable special teams and defensive depth role. There's virtually no downside for the Steelers, and his comeback from injury could make him a fan favorite to make the team.

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