Nail-biting win against Baltimore comes with a pair of concerning injuries that underscore the Steelers’ playoff chances
A pair of concerns after a huge win for the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers were in must-win mode against the Baltimore Ravens. With a loss on Sunday, Pittsburgh’s playoff chances would have fallen to just 18 percent. Instead, the defense showed up when needed the most, and Pittsburgh now has sole possession of the AFC North lead.
But it didn’t come without some concern.
Steelers lose Darnell Washington, Malik Harrison to concussion
Darnell Washington came into the season as the TE3 on the Steelers’ depth chart, but between what seems to be an invisibility cloak on Pat Freiermuth and the questionable usage of Jonnu Smith, Washington has become a favorite for Aaron Rodgers, trailing Muth by just four receptions and just 22 receiving yards.
He took a header into the ground and was ruled out almost immediately with a concussion. His yards after the catch have been one of the few easy buttons on the Steelers’ offense and something Pittsburgh will need down the stretch. What can’t be forgotten is what Washington brings to the run game and the Steelers’ jumbo personnel package.
Now, if there is one position where the Steelers are well-equipped to handle a loss, it’s the TE position. Muth has voiced frustration regarding his usage, and Smith is a Pro Bowler after all. DK Metcalf’s resurgence was a good sign for the Steelers’ offense, but Baltimore dared him to win his matchups, and he did.
That won’t be the case every week.
Malik Harrison exited and was ruled out almost immediately as well. Coming over from the Ravens this offseason, Harrison was signed to be a two-down thumper. He was acquired for games like Sunday, when he started in base defense, as he has the past few weeks. He was replaced by Cole Holcomb, who started in base defense before an illness that sidelined him for a few weeks.
Obviously, Payton Wilson is in the mix, but remember, the whole reason he doesn’t start on early downs is that he struggles against the run. The Steelers do tend to play lighter personnel quite often, and Wilson has thrived in nickel, but if Harrison is out, it’s an injury worth noting.
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