Darnell Washington missed practice because of a personal issue, but the Pittsburgh Steelers still expect him to be available Sunday against the New England Patriots in Foxborough. He was away on the day cited, yet the team’s read is that the absence should not keep him from making the trip or being ready to play.
That matters now because Washington is more than a backup option for Pittsburgh. He helped seal the victory at the end of Week 1, and with the Steelers' offensive line having struggled against the Atlanta Falcons' front seven, his size and blocking ability could matter again in Week 2. The Steelers may lean on him more, especially if they turn to more multi-tight end sets.
Farabaugh said Washington had a personal issue that was clarified yesterday, and added that players are usually able to play through those situations. The concern is not an injury, which makes the situation different from a normal midweek availability watch. In practice terms, the question is not whether he is healthy enough to go, but whether he is back in time to fly to Foxborough and be ready for Sunday.
That same availability picture is part of a wider preparation issue for Pittsburgh. The team may rely on Washington to help slow down the Patriots' defense and create rush lanes, even if he does not see many targets. He is the kind of big tight end whose impact can show up in pass protection and run blocking as much as in the passing game.
The Steelers also had another line-related issue worth tracking. Troy Fautanu returned to practice on Thursday after missing time on Wednesday, and if he cannot play, first-round rookie Max Iheanachor would make his first career start. For now, Washington looks on track to answer his own question in time for Sunday, but his actual status still depends on whether he is present and cleared to go when the team heads to Foxborough and the New England Patriots in Foxborough.
