Steelers' Darnell Washington receives bad news in Mike McCarthy's offense
The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a change to their tight ends' responsibilities on offense, and it's not great news for Darnell Washington.
Mike McCarthy is reconfiguring the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive strategy for the better, but it might not bode well for Darnell Washington, who seems to be receiving fewer playing opportunities during training camp. According to an insider source, Ray Fittipaldo, Washington has been experiencing "considerably less" involvement as a receiver compared to previous seasons.
Fittipaldo explained, "They are definitely throwing to him less in camp this year than they were last year with Arthur Smith. I think considerably less. I think there’s been an emphasis to get Pat Freiermuth more involved." While the Steelers are indeed reducing the number of times they pass to Washington, it doesn't mean he has vanished from the offensive play.
Fittipaldo clarified, "You just don’t notice him as much." The third-round draft pick in 2023 has been a standout blocking tight end, and his performance as a receiver improved notably in 2025. Despite Freiermuth's rise, Washington remains an essential part of the team, given his exceptional physical attributes and blocking skills.
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