Steelers HC Benches Disappointing Second-Round Pick for Declining Performance

Pittsburgh, PA — September 19, 2025 — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has made a decisive move, benching second-round draft pick Keeanu Benton for Week 3 against the New England Patriots due to the defensive lineman’s alarming regression. The decision, reported by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insiders Gerry Dulac and Ray Fittipaldo, reflects growing frustration within the organization as the Steelers struggle to shore up their run defense amid a 1-1 start to the 2025 season.

Benton, selected in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, was expected to anchor the Steelers’ defensive front alongside stars like T.J. Watt. However, the 24-year-old has failed to meet expectations, with internal sources noting he has “regressed” significantly. Through two games, Pittsburgh’s defense has surrendered an average of 149.5 rushing yards per game, a shocking figure for the NFL’s highest-paid defensive unit. The Steelers allowed 182 yards to the New York Jets in Week 1 and 117 to the Seattle Seahawks in a 31-17 loss in Week 2, exposing glaring weaknesses up front.

“The key is physicality and making plays, and we’re not seeing that consistently from Keeanu,” Dulac said on a recent practice report show. “The front office is disappointed—he’s not the player they drafted him to be.” In contrast, rookie Yahya Black has earned praise for his potential, with coaches believing he could see increased snaps as Benton’s role diminishes.

Tomlin, known for his emphasis on accountability, confirmed the benching in a press conference. “We need players who elevate us, not hold us back,” he said. “Yahya and others are stepping up, and we’ll go with who’s ready.” The move comes as the Steelers navigate a rash of injuries, with linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs), Alex Highsmith (ankle), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), DeShon Elliott (MCL sprain), and guard Max Scharping (knee) either limited or sidelined. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, recently back at practice, offers hope for a Week 3 return to bolster the line.

The decision to bench Benton has sparked debate on X, with fans split. One post read, “Benton’s been a bust—time to give Black a shot!” Others urged patience, citing his 1.5 sacks in 2024. The Steelers recently signed linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and safety Jabrill Peppers to the practice squad, signaling a push for veteran stability. Facing a Patriots team that ran for 122 yards in Week 2, Pittsburgh’s defense must improve to avoid a 1-2 start in the competitive AFC North, where teams like the Cleveland Browns, with rookie Quinshon Judkins, boast potent rushing attacks.

Benton’s benching underscores the Steelers’ urgency to reclaim their “Steel Curtain” identity. With Harmon’s return looming and Black emerging, the team hopes to turn the tide. For Benton, a former second-round investment, the sidelines may serve as a wake-up call—or a sign his time in Pittsburgh is running out.