Should I Start Darnell Washington?

Friday, October 16, 6:18 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington has been relatively quiet for fantasy purposes so far this season but could be in line for an expanded role against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers are incredibly thin at wide receiver, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) all ruled out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable. While running back Jaylen Warren should see a heavy workload, Washington, along with fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth and rookie wideout Germie Bernard, could see an uptick in targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Buccaneers are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, and Washington has been involved near the end zone, with three red-zone targets and one touchdown over the past two weeks. His lack of consistent utilization keeps him out of fantasy consideration in most formats, but Washington has some upside as a dart throw in deeper leagues.