What happened to Darnell Washington? Injury update and return status as Steelers struggle

The injury came at a difficult time for the Steelers, who were already shorthanded offensively without WR DK Metcalf (suspension) and Calvin Austin III (injury)

Published on: Dec 29, 2025, 01:50:55 IST

By Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington suffered a forearm injury during Sunday's Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns. The 24-year-old was initially listed as questionable to return after favoring his arm following a reception in the first half but was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Grant Delpit #9 of the Cleveland Browns tackles Darnell Washington #80 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Getty Images via AFP)

The injury came at a difficult time for the Steelers, who were already shorthanded offensively without WR DK Metcalf (suspension) and Calvin Austin III (injury). Despite Washington’s absence, the team has depth at tight end with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Connor Heyward.

Fans react

Steelers fans took to social media to share their concern over Washington’s injury.

One fan wrote on X, "Darnell washington was objectively one of the best bets in the nfl today (obviously barring injury). Was damn close to hitting his overs in the first quarter."

Another added, "The Steelers are missing Darnell Washington. I would rather Rodgers go to Freiermuth more, no Jonnu Smith."

A third person commented, "Darnell Washington is hurt Austin is hurt and no Metcalf and we are struggling."

Another fan expressed, "Darnell Washington goes out out with an arm injury and will not be returning to the game, same thing that happens every time the Steelers get close to the playoffs. Our most important players are injured, they're suspended or they get injured in the game."

Also Read: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says he supports suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf after fan incident

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 Inactives

QB Will Howard (third QB)

WR Calvin Austin III

RB Kaleb Johnson

CB Brandin Echols

CB James Pierre

OG Isaac Seumalo

LB T.J. Watt

Cleveland Browns Week 17 Inactives

QB Dillion Gabriel

CB Myles Harden

C Kendrick Green

T Jeremiah Byers

WR Jamari Thrash

TE David Njoku

DT Sam Kamara

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

Catch all the latest Sports News, scores, and highlights in one place. Stay updated with real-time coverage of your favorite games and athletes along with Lionel Messi latest updates.