Steelers Place Darnell Washington on Injured Reserve After Broken Arm

The Pittsburgh Steelers received a major setback on Wednesday, placing tight end Darnell Washington on the Reserve/Injured List after a broken arm suffered in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. The injury, which required surgery, effectively ends the 24-year-old’s season and comes at a critical moment as the team fights for an AFC North title and a playoff berth.

Washington was seen after the loss with his arm in a cast and sling, a stark visual reminder of the challenge Pittsburgh now faces on offense. The timing could not be worse, with the regular-season finale looming and a win-or-go-home scenario against the Baltimore Ravens on the horizon.

Under league rules, Washington would only be eligible to return if the Steelers advanced to the Super Bowl, and even then, his practice window would open during that same week. For now, the team must adjust without its top tight end, who had become a focal point of the offense.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Washington’s 2025 season marked the most productive stretch of his career. He emerged as a versatile weapon, combining receiving and blocking duties while seeing the most snaps of his young career.

1. Career-Best Season

Washington, a 6-foot-7, 300-plus-pound tight end, posted career highs in 2025 with 31 receptions on 43 targets for 364 yards and a touchdown. His 11.7 yards per catch averaged higher than in any previous season, and the totals more than doubled his combined production from 2023 and 2024. Starting 13 of 16 games and playing in over 57% of offensive snaps, Washington became the Steelers’ most-deployed tight end. His ability to create yards after the catch and contribute as a blocker made him a dual-threat weapon, impacting both the passing and running games. Selected 93rd overall in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Washington had not missed a single game before this injury. In just his third NFL season, he has evolved into a critical piece of Pittsburgh’s offense, earning praise for his versatility and physicality at the position. The loss of Washington removes a reliable chain-mover and disrupts continuity in an offense already dealing with injuries elsewhere, including the continued absence of DK Metcalf.

2. Offensive Adjustments

With Washington sidelined, the Steelers must quickly retool their offensive game plan. Fellow tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are expected to see increased usage, while Connor Heyward will likely take on a larger role as the third tight end. In the running game, Pittsburgh may rely more heavily on additional offensive linemen, including Spencer Anderson, to replicate Washington’s blocking presence. These adjustments aim to stabilize an offense that struggled to score just six points against Cleveland. The team has also moved to bolster depth by signing offensive lineman Jack Driscoll from the practice squad to the active roster. Driscoll, a former fourth-round pick of the Eagles, has appeared in 67 NFL games with 18 starts, providing experienced line support. Tight end Jaheim Bell was added to the practice squad, giving Pittsburgh an additional receiving option. Bell played 15 games for New England in 2024, totaling two catches for 20 yards. Together, these moves seek to mitigate the loss of Washington while preparing for a pivotal regular-season finale.

3. Looking Ahead

The Steelers’ immediate focus will be on preparing for their showdown with the Ravens, a game that could determine the division and playoff fate. Washington’s absence underscores the importance of adapting personnel and play-calling to maintain offensive effectiveness. Beyond the season, Pittsburgh will look to Washington’s recovery and development as a cornerstone of future offensive plans. His combination of size, athleticism, and experience positions him to be a key contributor in 2026 and beyond. While the setback is significant, the Steelers have acted swiftly to address depth concerns and reinforce their offensive rotation, aiming to remain competitive in a high-stakes matchup without their top tight end.