Darnell Washington Injury News & Updates

Washington recorded two receptions on four targets for 45 yards in Sunday's 26-7 loss to the Bills.

Washington's modest performance was good enough to lead the Steelers in receiving yards, and he finished tied for second on the team in targets. Those thresholds were more indicative of the poor offensive showing for the Steelers, though Washington continues to gain more of a role as a receiver. He has at least four targets in three of his last five games -- logging at least 40 receiving yards in all three -- after hitting that mark only twice in his first eight contests.

Washington secured both of his targets for 22 yards during Sunday's 31-28 loss to Chicago.

Washington had just two catches in Sunday's defeat while fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth each had three receptions. However, Washington led the group in receiving yards and played the most snaps of the trio, as he was on the field for 68 percent of the team's offensive snaps compared to Smith's 49 percent and Freiermuth's 47 percent. Although Washington had some factors that slightly mitigated his disappointing performance, his fantasy upside is limited since he's split work with Smith and Freiermuth for most of the season.

Washington caught four of five targets for 67 yards in Sunday's 34-12 win over the Bengals.

Washington was able to able to match his season high in catches while setting a new season-best 67 yards through the air. The tight end notched the majority of his yardage on a 31-yard catch and run in the second quarter. Washington has now compiled nine catches for 125 yards over the last three weeks. The 300-plus pound tight end will look to keep it rolling in Chicago against the Bears in Week 12.

Washington secured his lone target for 15 yards during Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Chargers.

Washington had one of his best performances of the season against the Colts in Week 9, securing four of six targets for 43 yards in the win. However, he was held in check during the Steelers' primetime matchup in Week 10, and he also ranked last among the team's tight ends in playing time, as he was on the field for just 48 percent of the offensive snaps. Washington has shown glimpses of production this season, but he remains an unreliable fantasy option as part of a crowded group of tight ends in Pittsburgh.

Washington (foot) practiced fully Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Washington didn't practice Wednesday, but his return to a full session a day later suggests that his absence was maintenance-related. In the Steelers' Week 9 win over the Colts, Washington led his team's tight ends in catches (four) and receiving yards (43) while logging six targets, but his production this season has been hit or miss due to the fact that Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth are also commanding their share of Pittsburgh's TE snaps/targets.

Washington (foot) returned to practice Thursday, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.

Washington didn't practice Wednesday, but his return Thursday is encouraging, though it remains to be seen if he'll manage to practice without limitations. Working as part of a rotation alongside Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, Washington has accrued 127 yards receiving yards and one touchdown through eight games. He hasn't missed a regular-season game in his three-year career heading into Sunday's road matchup against the Chargers.

Washington (foot) did not participate in Wednesday's practice.

Washington played 52 snaps (41 on offense, 11 on special teams) and logged four catches (on six targets) for 43 yards during the Steelers' Week 9 win over the Colts, but the third-year pro appears to have sustained a foot injury in the process. He'll have two more opportunities to return to practice in at least a limited capacity ahead of Sunday's game against the Chargers.

Washington secured four of six targets for 43 yards during Sunday's 27-20 win over the Colts.

Washington totaled just two receiving yards over his last two appearances, but he led the Steelers' tight ends in playing time and receiving yards during Sunday's Week 9 win. While his performance against the Colts was encouraging, Washington hasn't been a particularly consistent contributor this year as he's split playing time with Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth. Over eight appearances to begin the regular season, Washington has secured 13 of 20 targets for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Washington wasn't targeted during Sunday's 35-25 loss to the Packers.

Although Washington ranked second among the Steelers' tight ends by playing 46 percent of the team's offensive snaps, he went without a target for the first time since Week 3. Washington had a slightly encouraging role in his two appearances after the Week 5 bye, securing six of 10 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown during that time, but Sunday's performance against the Packers marked the third time that he's been held without a target over his first seven appearances of the season, making him difficult to trust in fantasy.

Washington secured three of five targets for two yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 33-31 loss to Cincinnati.

Washington was targeted five times for a second consecutive game, and while he didn't generate much yardage Thursday after accumulating 62 yards last week, he recorded his first touchdown of the season. Washington led the Steelers' tight ends in playing time in each of the last two games, but he played 63 percent of the team's offensive snaps Thursday, which ranked slightly behind Jonnu Smith (70 percent) and Pat Freiermuth (65 percent). Both Smith and Freiermuth were more productive in the passing game as well, and the three tight ends will likely continue to see some sort of timeshare as the season progresses.

Washington recorded three receptions on five targets for 62 yards in Sunday's 23-9 win over the Browns. He also fumbled, but the ball went out of bounds.

Washington continues to emerge in the Pittsburgh offense, as he led the tight end corps in targets and receiving yards. His involvement began immediately, as he recorded a 36-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage. Washington later chipped in gains of 12 and 14 yards, both of which came primarily after the catch. The end result was Washington's best yardage total of his career, and he seems to have surpassed Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth for targets in the Pittsburgh offense.

Washington secured all three of his targets for 20 yards during Sunday's 24-21 win over the Vikings.

Washington was targeted just once over the first three weeks of the regular season while playing less than half of the team's offensive snaps during that time. However, Jonnu Smith was limited in practice this week, and Washington was on the field for 91 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps during the matchup in Dublin. While it was encouraging to see Washington get more involved, his role will likely decline if Smith is able to shed his limitations following the team's Week 5 bye.

Washington failed to secure his lone target during Sunday's 31-17 loss to the Seahawks.

Washington matched Pat Freiermuth's snap count during last week's regular-season opener. However, Washington played just 36 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in Week 2 compared to 51 percent for Freiermuth and 56 percent for Jonnu Smith. Washington was targeted for the first time this season despite his slight decrease in playing time, but he appears unlikely to have a fantasy-relevant role in 2025.

Washington secured his lone target for a 19-yard touchdown during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over Jacksonville.

Washington started in Saturday's preseason opener and put the team on the board with a touchdown reception to cap off Pittsburgh's first drive of the game. While the 2023 third-rounder saw his role grow slightly last season, he'll have increased competition for targets behind Pat Freiermuth in 2025 after the Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins.

Washington secured 19 of 25 targets for 200 yards and a touchdown over 17 regular-season appearances with the Steelers in 2024.

Washington's production improved slightly in 2024 after he secured seven of 10 targets for 61 yards over 17 regular-season appearances as a rookie last year. However, the 23-year-old wasn't a reliable fantasy option, recording double-digit receiving yards in just six appearances and being held without a catch in four of the final five games of the regular season. Pat Freiermuth signed a four-year contract extension with the Steelers ahead of the 2024 season, and as long as he remains healthy next season, it seems unlikely that Washington will have much fantasy potential.

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 secured seven of 10 targets for 61 yards over 17 games during the 2023 season.

Washington drew solid reviews during training camp ahead of his rookie season, but he was unable to carve out much of a role in the Steelers' passing game, even with Pat Freiermuth missing five games due to an injury. Washington was on the field for 48 percent of the team's offensive snaps, but he didn't record more than 12 receiving yards in any of his appearances. Although his lack of targets was discouraging, it was a positive sign to see him carve out his fair share of playing time, and he'll look to take a step forward in 2024.

Washington secured his lone target for eight yards during the Steelers' 34-11 win over the Bengals on Saturday.

Washington's snap count bounced back to 29 offensive snaps Saturday after he played just 13 snaps last week, but his production remained limited, even in a comfortable victory over Cincinnati. He was the team's most productive tight end since Pat Freiermuth was held without a target, but Washington shouldn't be a fantasy-relevant player to close out the season.

Washington secured one of two targets for 12 yards during the Steelers' 21-18 loss to the Patriots on Thursday.

Washington wasn't targeted during last week's loss to Arizona, but he racked up double-digit receiving yards for the third time this season during Thursday's loss. Despite his reception Thursday, the rookie third-rounder should have minimal fantasy relevance to close out the year.

Washington played 34 of the Steelers' 61 snaps on offense and went without a target in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Cardinals.

Washington has played more than half of the Steelers' snaps on offense in three of the past four contests, but the big-bodied rookie out of Georgia been deployed mainly as a blocking tight end. He's drawn just seven targets over his 12 appearances on the season and will likely see limited involvement as a pass catcher down the stretch, especially now that Pat Freiermuth is back in the fold after a recent stint on injured reserve.

Washington secured his lone target for eight yards during the Steelers' 13-10 loss to Cleveland on Sunday.

Although Pat Freiermuth returned to action Sunday, Washington continued to see his fair share of playing time, as he was on the field for 47 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps compared to Freiermuth's mark of 53 percent. However, neither tight end was able to generate much production in the low-scoring matchup. It wouldn't be surprising to see Freiermuth's snap count continue to rise as he regains his conditioning, so Washington's fantasy potential could diminish over the next few weeks.

Washington secured his lone target for six yards during the Steelers' 23-19 win over the Packers on Sunday.

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.

Washington secured his lone target for seven yards during the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday.

Although Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) remained on injured reserve in Week 9, Washington failed to generate much production in the Steelers' passing game. Although Connor Heyward was limited to just two receptions for 16 yards, he appears to have established himself as Pittsburgh's clear top tight end with Freiermuth unavailable.

Washington didn't receive any targets during the Steelers' 24-17 win over the Rams on Sunday.

After Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) was placed back on injured reserve ahead of Week 7, it seemed likely that Washington would be in line for an increased workload. However, the rookie played just 53 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, while second-year tight end Connor Heyward was on the field for 86 percent. Washington should continue to see increased playing time while Freiermuth is sidelined, but as Sunday demonstrated, that role may not come with a significant uptick in targets.

Washington is in line for a bigger workload Sunday at the Rams with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) ruled out for that contest, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Washington started from Weeks 2-5, but his snap share didn't surpass 50 percent until the Steelers' last game before a Week 6 bye. In the Week 5 win against the Ravens, Freiermuth sat out due to a hamstring issue, and Washington earned 70 percent of the offensive plays. Despite being a regular in the offense all season, Washington doesn't have much to show for it (a 10-yard catch on three targets), while second-year TE Connor Heyward boasts a 5-42-0 line on 10 targets. It remains to be seen when Washington will become more involved in the passing game.

Washington failed to secure either of his two targets during the Steelers' 17-10 win over the Ravens on Sunday.

Washington saw increased playing time Sunday with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) sidelined, as he was on the field for 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps. However, the rookie third-rounder was targeted just twice and was unable to record a reception. The Steelers have a Week 6 bye before a meeting with the Rams on Oct. 22, and Washington's role against the Rams will likely depend on whether Freiermuth is able to recover by then.

Washington could be in store for a larger role Sunday against the Ravens, as fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) has been ruled out.

Freiermuth's absence could lead to larger roles for both Washington and Connor Heyward. Washington has been used primarily for blocking purposes through four games, as the 2023 third-round draft pick out of Georgia has just one catch in his young career.

Washington secured his lone target for 10 yards during the Steelers' 30-6 loss to Houston on Sunday.

Washington dealt with a knee injury ahead of Sunday's Week 4 tilt, but he was able to suit up against the Texans and recorded a catch for the first time in his professional career. The rookie third-rounder drew praise during offseason activities but has had a minimal role in the passing game to begin the 2023 campaign. The Steelers' offense has struggled mightily to generate much production this year, but Washington could see a slight uptick in usage if Pat Freiermuth's upcoming imaging on his hamstring reveals an issue that will force him to miss time.

Washington (knee) practiced fully Friday and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Texans.

Washington didn't practice Thursday but alleviated any fears about his knee injury with a full session Friday. The rookie tight end has played between 38 and 48 percent of offensive snaps in each of Pittsburgh's first three games, but Washington has been used exclusively as a blocker, having yet to garner a target.

Washington (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

Washington's knee issue isn't new, but this DNP comes after the rookie tight end wasn't even listed on the injury report Wednesday. His status for Week 4 is now in question. He's been a complete non-factor in the box score through three weeks, failing to draw a single target on 79 offensive snaps.

Washington (knee) is good to go for Pittsburgh's game against the Raiders on Sunday.

Washington is healthy and ready to go for Sunday, despite having missed Wednesday's practice. The rookie third-round pick has yet to be targeted through two games played, seeing only limited snaps behind Pat Freiermuth.

Washington (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

The rookie has yet to earn a target on 23 pass routes through two games and is well off the fantasy radar outside of dynasty formats. Washington's mainly been filling a blocking role.

Washington (knee) was a non-participant at the Steelers' practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official website reports.

Washington appears to have left Monday's 26-22 win over the Browns a little worse for wear, opening the week on the sidelines at practice. The tight end still has two more practices this week to return to the field prior to Sunday night's matchup with the Raiders.

Washington wasn't targeted during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Washington was on the field for 38 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday, which ranked just ahead of fellow tight end Connor Heyward, who played 27 percent of the snaps. Washington drew praise during offseason activities this year but was limited during the preseason. Pat Freiermuth (chest) exited Sunday's matchup, but Washington's fantasy potential should be limited if Freiermuth is available moving forward.

Washington secured his lone target for six yards during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.

Washington has had a limited impact over the first two games of the preseason, as he's been limited to one reception in each matchup and has been held under 10 yards in both games. The Steelers haven't had multiple fantasy-relevant tight ends in recent seasons, but Washington should have a chance to compete with Zach Gentry and Connor Heyward for a role behind starter Pat Freiermuth to begin the 2023 campaign.

Washington drew praise from fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth after minicamp concluded Thursday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

While Washington indicated that he felt as though he had room to grow following minicamp, Freiermuth praised the rookie's abilities. "He's putting it all together. The past two days he's looked really good," Freiermuth said. Washington was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he slid due to concerns over medicals. It seems as though he's moved past those concerns for now, and he'll shift his focus toward competing for a role in the Steelers' offense during training camp next month.

The Steelers selected Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 93rd overall.

There simply aren't many football players like Washington. At 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, Washington wowed at the combine by running a 4.64 in the 40 and clocking impressive agility scores. His production may not jump off the page from his time at Georgia as he recorded just 45 receptions for 774 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons, but there's reason to believe he's just scratching the surface of that element of his game. While he develops as a pass catcher, Washington can still be a factor for the Steelers. He uses his size to his advantage and is essentially an extra tackle attached to the offensive line. He can maul people in the run game as a blocker. Pat Freiermuth is the top pass-catching option at tight end for Pittsburgh, so it may be a while yet before Washington starts producing for fantasy purposes. It's also worth noting that Washington was considered a second-round prospect based on talent, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that his slide to the late third was due to concerns over me

The Steelers selected Washington (undisclosed) in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 93rd overall.

There simply aren't many football players like Washington. At 6-foot-7 and 264 pounds, Washington wowed at the combine by running a 4.64 in the 40 and clocking impressive agility scores. His production may not jump off the page from his time at Georgia, as he recorded just 45 receptions for 774 yards and three touchdowns in three seasons, but there's reason to believe he's just scratching the surface of that element of his game. While he develops as a pass catcher, Washington can still be a factor for the Steelers. He uses his size to his advantage and is essentially an extra tackle attached to the offensive line. He can maul people in the run game as a blocker. Pat Freiermuth is the top pass-catching option at tight end for Pittsburgh, so it may be awhile yet before Washington starts producing for fantasy purposes. It's also worth noting that Washington was considered a second-round prospect based on talent, but Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that his slide to the late third was due to concerns over me