Steelers adjust tight end roles, impacting Darnell Washington's targets
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 6:31 PM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers are revising their offensive strategy under Mike McCarthy, resulting in reduced receiving opportunities for Darnell Washington during training camp. Insider Ray Fittipaldo reported that Washington has had significantly fewer targets this year compared to last as the team focuses on getting Pat Freiermuth more involved. Washington, drafted in the third round of 2023, has traditionally excelled as a blocker but showed promise as a receiver in 2025. The Steelers are expected to continue adjusting their offensive plans as training camp progresses.
- •Steelers are minimizing Washington's receiving chances during training camp.
- •Pat Freiermuth is becoming a primary focus in the passing game.
- •Washington was a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
- •He showed improvement as a receiver in 2025, becoming a matchup threat.
- •Training camp adjustments may be ongoing as the season approaches.
- 6:31 PMYahoo Sports — 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.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 1:28 AMPittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns- NFL•Oct 23, 2026, 12:43 AMPittsburgh Steelers focus on resting up ahead of flight into uneasy France
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 9:05 PMBaker Mayfield Injury Update: Buccaneers QB’s Week 7 Status Revealed
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 8:52 PMPatriots lose player to IR hours before Thursday Night Football
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 7:40 PMTyler Shough practices in full Wednesday
NFL•Oct 22, 2026, 7:31 PMRico Dowdle limited in practice on Thursday