Pro Football Rumors
The Steelers were unable to win on Sunday, meaning they have not clinched top spot in the AFC North. Week 18’s winner-take-all game against the Ravens will see Pittsburgh shorthanded on offense.
Tight end Darnell Washington exited today’s loss against the Browns and was unable to return. Once the game was over, his arm was in a sling (h/t Mike DeFabo of The Athletic). Head coach Mike Tomlin has since announced (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor) Washington suffered a fractured arm in Week 17.
The injury does not have a firm timetable at this point, but it all-but ensures he will not be available next week. Washington has emerged as a notable figure in Pittsburgh’s passing game this season, his third in the NFL. The 24-year-old was limited to two catches prior to exiting today’s game, but that brought his total in 2025 to 31, a career high. His absence will be felt presuming Washington is unable to suit up against the Ravens.
A lack of pass-catching production proved to be an issue throughout Week 17 for the Steelers. D.K. Metcalf served the first of his two-game suspension, while fellow receiver Calvin Austin was inactive as well. Pittsburgh struggled on offense for much of the day and wound up scoring just six points against Cleveland. A rebound on offense will be needed next week, but being without Washington while Metcalf serves the final game of his ban will leave the Steelers thin on targets.
Pat Freiermuth looms as a tight end option for Pittsburgh to close out the season, although his lack of usage on offense has been a talking point for much of the year. Offseason trade acquisition Jonnu Smith has chipped in during his latest season working with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and he will also look to fill in while Washington is absent. It remains to be seen how long that stretch will be – and a recovery timeline will of course become relevant if the Steelers reach the playoffs – but in any event Pittsburgh is set to remain shorthanded at the skill positions for the final week of the regular season.
