DarnellWashington

News: 5 days agoWashington caught three of five targets for 27 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Cleveland on Thursday.

Spin: Washington was one of four Steelers who tied for second on the team with three receptions. Most of his yardage came on a 21-yard touchdown catch early in the fourth quarter that brought Pittsburgh to within five points. Washington began the campaign with a quiet first two weeks, but he's put together a solid 6-94-1 receiving line over his past two contests. He and the Steelers will next face Indianapolis at home next Sunday.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Though he never quite made it onto the fantasy radar, Washington was one of the most fun, surprising "breakout" players of 2025. Essentially an extension of the offensive line at 6-foot-6, 264 pounds, Washington is known mainly for his blocking. Still, the 2023 third-round pick played well enough that he was stealing snaps and targets from both Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth. Washington never cleared six targets or 10.7 fantasy points in any game, but he was effective with the ball in his hands and averaged 8.5 yards per target. Though Smith has been released, Pittsburgh's offense is no longer being led by TE superfan Arthur Smith, which is likely to lead to a lesser role for Washington. Expect him to operate as a rarely targeted blocking complement to Freiermuth.