Darnell Washington’s injury drastically reshapes the Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight end room, even if they are excited about the win over the Baltimore Ravens. Sunday’s NFL Week 14 slate of games was chock full of important in-divisional matchups, which would deeply affect the playoff picture. What are the specifics of the health concerns, and what does it mean for fans of the team moving forward?
In the second quarter of the game against the Ravens, Behind The Steel Curtain confirms injury details. After completing a 12-yard reception, Washington was simultaneously taken down by two defenders. He needed help off the field and was immediately sent for NFL concussion protocol. He was ruled out shortly thereafter.
The Steelers have a talented pool of depth at tight end. ESPN reports the remaining depth chart as Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Connor Heyward. While all of them are competent at the position, none of them bring the same combination of blocking and receiving as the 6’7″ former third-round pick. The team has been increasing his usage, taking advantage of the unique skillset of the 264-pounder drafted out of Georgia. Fans await news on the Washington injury, hoping for short-term implications.
For those concerned about fantasy football, this injury doesn’t necessarily mean managers should expect a monumental increase in value for the other Steelers’ tight ends. It may provide a modest bounce, but the team is likely to use them to their strengths and will miss the unique skillset Washington provided.
The Steelers went on to defeat the Ravens 27-22 in this crucial divisional matchup, but felt this Washington injury nonetheless. Going into the game with identical 6-6 records, Pittsburgh was victorious as the betting underdog. The AFC North is still up for grabs, but, for now, it belongs to the team in black and yellow. Fans await further updates on the concussion to one of the newer fan favorites.
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