INJURY UPDATE: Steelers Tight End Darnell Washington Suffers Surprise Foot Injury Following an Off-Field Incident – And the Story That Unfolded Afterward Becomes a Haunting Memory He'll Carry Forever

INJURY UPDATE: Steelers Tight End Darnell Washington Suffers Surprise Foot Injury Following an Off-Field Incident – And the Story That Unfolded Afterward Becomes a Haunting Memory He'll Carry Forever

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – November 6, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be without one of their most important offensive pieces — tight end Darnell Washington — just days before their Sunday Night Football clash against the Los Angeles Chargers. Team sources confirmed that Washington sustained a “surprise foot injury” following a minor off-field mishap that left both coaches and teammates stunned.

Nicknamed “Mount Washington” for his towering 6’7”, 264-pound frame, Washington has been one of the league’s most dominant blocking tight ends. Through nine weeks, he’s recorded 13 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown, including a 36-yard grab in the win over the Colts. His size and power have helped him surpass Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith to become the Steelers’ primary TE1, anchoring both the run game and short passing attack.

According to witnesses, the incident occurred Tuesday morning when Washington arrived later than usual at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex after being delayed by traffic from a minor highway accident. Rushing into the facility with his gear bag, he tripped on a concrete step near the back entrance of the locker room and lost his balance. One teammate recalled:

“He laughed it off, said ‘I’m fine,’ and limped inside. Nobody thought much of it — until a few hours later, when he couldn’t put any weight on his foot.”

Medical evaluations revealed swelling and discomfort in his right foot, prompting the team to list him as “Did Not Practice” on Wednesday’s injury report.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the incident but offered few details:

“It wasn’t football-related — just an unfortunate accident. Darnell’s as tough as they come, but sometimes life finds its own way to test you. We’re monitoring him closely and won’t rush anything.”

When asked about the moment, Washington paused before speaking quietly:

“It’s crazy how just a few seconds of rushing can change an entire week. I was right by the door… then suddenly I was on the ground, heard the bag drop, and felt the pain shoot through my leg. That moment keeps replaying in my head — and honestly, I can’t shake it off.”

As of Thursday morning, the Steelers haven’t ruled him out for Week 10, but the medical staff emphasized they won’t take risks. If Washington can’t go, veterans Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth will split duties.

For Washington, that single misstep has become more than a minor accident — it’s a haunting reminder that in football, the most painful hits don’t always happen on the field.