Darnell Washington injury update: Mike Tomlin gives concerning update on Steelers TE

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday that tight end Darnell Washington is in concussion protocol. Washington suffered a concussion in Sunday’s 27-22 Week 14 road win over the Baltimore Ravens.

After hauling in a 12-yard reception from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Washington was tackled by a Ravens defender and hit the ground hard. He immediately went into the blue medical tent for evaluation. He emerged from the medical tent without his helmet and went back to the locker room. The Steelers then ruled him out for the remainder of the game.

Washington, the third-year pro out of Georgia, has become an important piece of Pittsburgh’s offense. He has 23 receptions for 288 yards and one score this season. Beyond his abilities as a pass catcher, Washington has been a weapon in the run game as a blocker.

Steelers struggled on offense without Darnell Washington

His absence was felt Sunday when he exited the game. The Steelers managed just eight yards across three drives in the fourth quarter. Fellow tight end Connor Heyward talked about the impact of Washington not being on the field.

“It was a big hit to the team,” Heyward said, via Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com. “Art came in here to make some adjustments. Everyone followed and drew up a couple of plays at halftime in case we had to run them.”

The Steelers, who regained their spot atop the AFC North with the win over the Ravens, host the Miami Dolphins this coming Monday. Swing tackle Calvin Anderson (knee) is out for that game, Tomlin said. Offensive tackle Andrus Peat and linebacker Malik Harrison are also in concussion protocol. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (ankle), cornerback James Pierre (calf), wide receiver Ben Skowronek (finger), and defensive end Yahya Black (undisclosed) will be limited to start the week.