Washington secured all three of his targets for 14 yards during Thursday's 24-19 loss to the Browns. Washington recorded a season-high 42 receiving yards in last week's win over Baltimore, and he tallied three receptions in Thursday's Week 12 matchup against Cleveland, his second-highest mark of the season. Although he wasn't very efficient with his catches, he's now been targeted at least three times in each of Pittsburgh's three games since the team's Week 9 bye.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Darnell Washington news
Team
Pittsburgh Steelers
Birthdate
8/17/2001 (23)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'7", 264 lbs
Draft Info
2023: Rd 3; Pk (PIT)
Birthplace
Las Vegas, NV, USA
Position
TE
College
Georgia
Experience
2 seasons
Career History
Pittsburgh Steelers
2023-Present
(2 seasons)
Washington secured all three of his targets for 14 yards during Thursday's 24-19 loss to the Browns. Washington recorded a season-high 42 receiving yards in last week's win over Baltimore, and he tallied three receptions in Thursday's Week 12 matchup against Cleveland, his second-highest mark of the season. Although he wasn't very efficient with his catches, he's now been targeted at least three times in each of Pittsburgh's three games since the team's Week 9 bye.
Washington secured all four of his targets for 36 yards during Sunday's 37-15 win over the Jets. Washington found plenty of success under new starting quarterback Russell Wilson on Sunday, tallying career-high marks in receptions and receiving yards. While Washington had an encouraging performance Sunday and could establish more value if he can maintain a connection with Wilson, the second-year tight end has secured 10 of 11 targets for 91 yards and a touchdown over his first seven appearances of the season, so he hasn't been a very reliable fantasy option.
Washington secured both of his targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Colts. Washington didn't have more than five receiving yards in any of the first three games of the season, but he tallied double-digit yards on both of his receptions during Sunday's defeat. He still didn't see as much work as starting tight end Pat Freiermuth, who secured five of seven targets for 57 yards and a touchdown. Although Washington looked good when he had the ball in his hands Sunday, he hasn't yet carved out a high enough target share to make him a reliable fantasy option.
Washington secured his lone target for five yards during Sunday's 18-10 win over the Falcons. Although Washington was on the field for 54 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday, he didn't see much work in the passing game. Despite appearing in all 17 games during his rookie season in 2023, he didn't have more than one reception in any outing and could struggle to see many targets once again this year, especially if starting tight end Pat Freiermuth stays healthy.
Washington (knee) practiced in full Friday and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons. Washington popped up on Thursday's injury report as a non-participant due to a knee issue, but he now looks fully healthy for Week 1. The depth tight end figures to mostly contribute as a blocker on offense Sunday.
Washington (knee) did not practice Thursday. Washington wasn't listed on the injury report Wednesday, so this is a new issue for the second-year tight end. Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt would be in line for expanded roles behind Pat Freiermuth if Washington can't play Sunday against the Falcons.
In his second season as a pro, Washington believes that there's a "strong possibility" he can emerge as more of a receiving threat, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports. In 17 regular-season contests as a rookie, Washington caught just seven of his 10 targets for 61 yards, however with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on board, the 2023 third-rounder is a candidate to see more pass-catching opportunities in what figures to be a more tight-end friendly offense in Pittsburgh. At 6-foot-7, 264 pounds, Washington has the size to continue to make his mark as a run blocker, but the Georgia product has some untapped potential as a receiver and should have an opportunity to demonstrate that more in 2024, while working being top option Pat Freiermuth in a TE corps that also includes Connor Heyward and MyCole Pruitt.
Washington's snap count matched that of fellow tight end Connor Heyward on Sunday, but the rookie third-rounder had minimal production once again. Washington hasn't had more than one reception in any of his appearances this season, and he'll likely have even less of a role in the team's offense once Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) returns, which could happen as early as next Sunday against the Browns.