- Darnell Washington
- #80
- Team PIT
- Pos TE
- Status AActive
-
Logs two receptions in Week 4
Washington secured both of his targets for 31 yards during Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Colts.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Mon, Sep 30 at 9:15am by Rotowire.com
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Minimal production in win
Washington secured his lone target for five yards during Sunday's 18-10 win over the Falcons.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Mon, Sep 9 at 7:55am by Rotowire.com
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Cleared to play Week 1
Washington (knee) practiced in full Friday and does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Fri, Sep 6 at 1:27pm by Rotowire.com
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Absent Thursday
Washington (knee) did not practice Thursday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Thu, Sep 5 at 1:20pm by Rotowire.com
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Could see more opportunities
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.
Analysis: In 17 regular-season contests as a rookie last season, Washington caught just seven of his 10 targets for 61 yards, but 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…read more
Published: Thu, May 30 at 9:12am by Rotowire.com
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Underwhelms in rookie season
Washington secured seven of 10 targets for 61 yards over 17 games during the 2023 season.
Analysis: 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…read more
Published: Fri, Jan 12 at 1:40pm by Rotowire.com
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Minimal production in victory
Washington secured his lone target for eight yards during the Steelers' 34-11 win over the Bengals on Saturday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Sun, Dec 24 at 7:55am by Rotowire.com
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Held to 12 yards in defeat
Washington secured one of two targets for 12 yards during the Steelers' 21-18 loss to the Patriots on Thursday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Fri, Dec 8 at 4:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Goes without target in Week 13
Washington played 34 of the Steelers' 61 snaps on offense and went without a target in Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Wed, Dec 6 at 10:15am by Rotowire.com
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Tallies one catch Sunday
Washington secured his lone target for eight yards during the Steelers' 13-10 loss to Cleveland on Sunday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Mon, Nov 20 at 8:56am by Rotowire.com
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Remains limited in Week 10
Washington secured his lone target for six yards during the Steelers' 23-19 win over the Packers on Sunday.
Analysis: 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 Sunday against the Browns.
Published: Mon, Nov 13 at 10:39am by Rotowire.com
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Minimal production in Week 9
Washington secured his lone target for seven yards during the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Fri, Nov 3 at 9:19am by Rotowire.com
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No targets in Week 7
Washington didn't receive any targets during the Steelers' 24-17 win over the Rams on Sunday.
Analysis: After Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) was placed 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.
Published: Mon, Oct 23 at 7:55am by Rotowire.com
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Another large workload on tap
Washington is in line for a bigger workload Sunday at the Rams with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) ruled out for the contest, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: 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 team's Week 5 win over 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…read more
Published: Fri, Oct 20 at 5:00pm by Rotowire.com
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Targeted twice against Baltimore
Washington failed to secure either of his two targets during the Steelers' 17-10 win over the Ravens on Sunday.
Analysis: 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 Sunday, Oct. 22, and Washington's role against L.A. will likely depend on whether Freiermuth is able to recover by then.
Published: Mon, Oct 9 at 9:04am by Rotowire.com
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Could see more looks in Week 5
Washington could be in store for a larger role Sunday against the Ravens, as fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) has been ruled out.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Fri, Oct 6 at 12:13pm by Rotowire.com
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Records first NFL catch
Washington secured his lone target for 10 yards during the Steelers' 30-6 loss to Houston on Sunday.
Analysis: 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…read more
Published: Mon, Oct 2 at 10:59am by Rotowire.com
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Clear of knee injury
Washington (knee) practiced fully Friday and doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Texans.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Fri, Sep 29 at 12:55pm by Rotowire.com
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Logs DNP on Thursday
Washington (knee) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Thu, Sep 28 at 12:54pm by Rotowire.com
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Good to go Sunday
Washington (knee) is good to go for Pittsburgh's game against the Raiders on Sunday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Fri, Sep 22 at 2:56pm by Rotowire.com
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Upgraded to limited Thursday
Washington (knee) was limited in Thursday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Thu, Sep 21 at 3:43pm by Rotowire.com
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Misses practice Wednesday
Washington (knee) was a non-participant at the Steelers' practice Wednesday, Teresa Varley of the team's official website reports.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Wed, Sep 20 at 4:57pm by Rotowire.com
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Not targeted in opener
Washington wasn't targeted during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Mon, Sep 11 at 8:56am by Rotowire.com
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Logs one reception Saturday
Washington secured his lone target for six yards during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.
Analysis: 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.
Published: Sun, Aug 20 at 12:58pm by Rotowire.com
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Impresses at minicamp
Washington drew praise from fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth after minicamp concluded Thursday, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: 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…read more
Published: Thu, Jun 15 at 2:03pm by Rotowire.com
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