Steelers TE Darnell Washington suffers forearm injury, won't return against Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a significant setback in their game against the Cleveland Browns as tight end Darnell Washington exited with a forearm injury, exacerbating an already challenging offensive situation.

Why it matters: Washington’s injury is particularly impactful given the Steelers’ existing struggles with injuries to key players.

• The team was already without its top two wide receivers, DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III, which limited their offensive options.
• Washington had emerged as a critical component of the offense, leading the team in receiving yards at the time of his injury.

What's new: Darnell Washington suffered a forearm injury during the third quarter and did not return to the game.

• Prior to his exit, he recorded two catches for 15 yards, with his longest reception being an 11-yarder on a crucial third-and-16 play.
• His performance was pivotal in extending a field-goal drive after the Browns were penalized for taunting following his catch.

Yes, but: The absence of Washington highlights the Steelers' reliance on him in their offensive schemes.

• Known for his role in the "tush push" play, Washington often contributed to short-yardage situations, effectively pushing behind tight end/fullback Connor Heyward.
• Following his injury, the Steelers opted to pass on a fourth-and-1 situation instead of executing their usual power running play, indicating his importance in offensive strategies.

What to watch: The Steelers will need to address their depth at the tight end position moving forward.

• With Washington out, they may have to rely on less experienced players or adjust their offensive scheme to accommodate the loss.
• The effectiveness of the passing game will be under scrutiny, particularly in the next few games where the absence of multiple key players could hinder offensive production.

The bottom line: Washington's injury compounds the challenges the Steelers face as they seek to maintain offensive momentum.

• As they navigate this period of adversity, the Steelers must find ways to adapt and utilize their remaining personnel effectively.
• The impact of injuries on playoff aspirations cannot be understated, making recovery and roster management critical in the weeks ahead.