Darnell Washington Injury Update: Latest on Steelers TE for fantasy football Week 3

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie tight end Darnell Washington was selected by the team in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Coming out of college, Washinton was viewed as one of if not the most athletic and physically gifted tight ends.

In 27 games played at Georgia in college, Washington caught 45 passes for 774 yards and scored three touchdowns while averaging 17.2 yards per catch.

As a 6-foot-7, 265-pound tight end who ran a 4.6 40-yard dash, the Steelers jumped on the opportunity to select him in the third round.

While Washington is physically gifted, his size and physicality come with a toll. Being a bigger and faster athlete often makes one more prone to injuries.

Darnell Washington's injury update

Darnell Washington during the 2023 NFL Combine

Darnell Washington popped up on the Steelers injury report on Wednesday. He missed practice with a knee injury although it wasn't specified which knee was bothering him.

His roster status was still active even with him not participating in practice. The Steelers listed his prognosis as unknown.

It is a little concerning that Washington is having knee issues because that's the main reason why he slid in the draft. Many teams had concerns about his knee as he entered the draft. Washington spoke to the media shortly after he was drafted and cleared the air on his knee issues.

Washington said after he was drafted:

“You know, with my health, I feel great. Some teams had concerns with my knees because I’m taller and a bigger guy. They talked about some knee swelling.

"For me, I had no injury with my knees ever, knock on wood. I never tore anything in the knees. I had knee surgery on the right knee, but that was just cartilage that flaked up, they went in and cleaned it.”

What happened to Darnell Washington?

Darnell Washington during Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Darnell Washington injured one of his knees in practice this week. It is unknown which knee he injured and it is also unknown how he sustained the injury.

Washington appeared in all 15 games for the Georgia Bulldogs this past season in college but missed some time in 2022 with a fracture in his foot.

The Steelers have high hopes for Washington and his productivity as he has climbed up the depth chart from fourth to second since he's been drafted.

When will Darnell Washington play?

Darnell Washington during 2023 NFL Combine

While there were some eyebrows raised on whether or not he would play this week vs. the Las Vegas Raiders, Washington will suit up for Sunday's game.

According to Washington, he didn't practice on Wednesday due to precautionary reasons.

He announced the news that he would play on 93.7 The Fan:

"#Steelers injuries-TE Darnell Washington said it was a precaution with his knee and he will play Sunday. Same for outside linebacker Markus Golden. Minkah also says he will go against the Raiders."

Washington is currently the number two tight end on the Steelers roster behidng Pat Freiermuth. Washington hasn't caught a pass this season but has been an effective blocking-tight end thus far.

It'll be interesting to see when the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Kenny Pickett get Washington more involved in the passing game.

If you use any of the above quotes, please credit 93.7 The Fan, Darnell Washington, and H/T Sportskeeda