CLEVELAND — The Pittsburgh Steelers did not simply lose an unpleasant sport Sunday towards the Cleveland Browns, in addition they misplaced Darnell Washington after the large tight finish sustained an harm in the course of the first quarter. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated following Pittsburgh’s 13-6 loss that Washington has damaged his arm.
Washington was seen after the sport carrying a solid and sling over his injured arm. His availability transferring ahead isn’t presently recognized. The Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens subsequent week in a sport that may decide which workforce will win the AFC North and the playoff spot that comes with it.
Washington caught each of his targets for 15 yards previous to exiting Sunday’s sport. A former third-round choose, the 6-foot-7 Washington was within the midst of his best season thus far with a career-high 31 catches by means of 16 video games.
“Yeah, Darnell is a giant a part of what we do,” Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated when requested about how Washington’s absence impacted the offense.
If Washington is out for a good portion of time, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth would possible have an even bigger position within the offense. Neither participant, nonetheless, is nearly as good as a blocker as Jones, who is usually utilized in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense as a pseudo deal with.
Together with Washington, the Steelers performed all the sport with out DK Metcalf, who additionally will not face the Ravens subsequent week as a part of his two-game suspension stemming from final week’s altercation with a Lions fan. The absences of each gamers clearly had a adverse affect on Rodgers, who threw for simply 168 yards on 21 of 39 passing.
“We did not execute very effectively on third downs,” Rodgers stated. “I did not have an excellent sport. Did not run the ball early like we needed to. Fairly dangerous on third down.”
One Steelers offensive participant who did have an excellent sport Sunday was Jaylen Warren, who rushed for a game-high 64 yards on 12 carries. Warren is amongst Pittsburgh’s ability gamers who should choose up the slack much more subsequent week with Metcalf out and Washington’s standing in query.
“No one’s panicking,” Warren stated after Sunday’s sport when requested about Pittsburgh’s present predicament. “I am not fearful. We’ll be good.”
