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CBS Sports Tabs Darnell Washington As Steelers' 'Under The Radar' Player With Star Potential

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CBS Sports Tabs Darnell Washington As Steelers' 'Under The Radar' Player With Star Potential


Excitement was high following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ selection of former Georgia standout tight end Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ultimately, that excitement didn’t translate to the field in his rookie season as Washington was primarily a blocking tight end and didn’t move all that well as a route runner.

That could — and should — all change in 2024 for Washington now that he’s playing under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who loves to utilize tight ends in the passing game. 

That pairing with Smith is a big reason why CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan highlighted Washington as the Steelers’ “under the radar” player with star potential ahead of the 2024 season.

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“Washington is about as big of a target as you could imagine, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 265 pounds. He didn’t do much in the passing game last year, but his athleticism suggests he could be a key cog in Arthur Smith’s offense,” Sullivan writes. “That combination of size and athletic ability even resulted in Justin Fields putting him in the same breath as former All-Pro Jimmy Graham.

“If Washington reaches those heights, the Steelers would have quite the weapon.”

The size is what really stands out with Washington. He is a huge human being, one who blew people away with his size and athleticism coming out of college. Though he plays more like an extra offensive lineman and has that mentality of being a sixth offensive lineman, there is untapped potential in Washington as a receiver. 

Last season, Washington was largely kept as that in-line tight end, one who served as a blocker, period.

He had just 10 targets in the passing game on the year, finishing with seven receptions for 61 yards, though four of his receptions went for first downs.

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Washington played 511 snaps offensively last season, which was just under 48%. That number should increase in 2024 with Smith now calling the plays. That, in turn, could lead to more production from Washington as a receiver. While there are concerns about his knees and his abilities as a receiver in the NFL, Washington should have more opportunities as a pass catcher in 2024 to alleviate some of those concerns.

That could lead to a massive increase in production and could put Washington’s name on the map as one of the unicorn tight ends once again with his size, athleticism and abilities as a pass catcher.



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Washington

Man killed in Columbia Heights blaze linked to fireplace debris

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Man killed in Columbia Heights blaze linked to fireplace debris


A man died in a fire in Northwest D.C. early on the morning of Christmas Eve, officials said.

Debris in a fireplace started the blaze in the 1500 block of Ogden St. NW, D.C. Fire and EMS said. It was an accident, officials said.

Firefighters were called to the scene about 1 a.m. When they arrived, they saw flames on the first floor of the building.

The man was rescued and taken to a trauma center, but died, officials said. Firefighters put out the blaze, and investigators are on the scene.

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New York family's puppy and car stolen from Forestville Wawa

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New York family's puppy and car stolen from Forestville Wawa


He’s a small dog out there in a big world.

A 3-month-old puppy named Benji was stolen Friday, along with his family’s car, at a Wawa in Forestville, Maryland.

“He’s tiny,” said KerryAnn Wiltshire, one of Benji’s owners. “He’s very, very tiny, very loving.”

Wiltshire says she and her boyfriend were driving from New York to North Carolina Friday when they stopped at a Wawa near the Ritchie Station Shopping Center in Prince George’s County to get gas and use the restroom. She says they turned off the engine and locked the black Nissan Altima with Benji, a Peekapoo, inside.

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But when they left the store a few minutes later:

“We came out and we see a guy with a mask on and gloves running towards the car. He gets in the car and drives off,” Wiltshire said. “When he drove off, we start running trying to chase after the car. I guess he had an SUV behind him, so we call police.”

The Nissan was recovered in the District Sunday. Wiltshire says none of her belongings were found in it.

“The most important thing in that vehicle was not a thing, it was my son Benji, my dog. I had my dog, gifts for the kids, clothing, my phone, a thousand dollars, my ID, bank cards” she said.

Wiltshire says it would be a miracle if Benji could be reunited with her children, who are ages 5, 7 and 9.

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OKC Thunder vs. Washington Wizards [12/23]: Updated Injury Report, Betting odds

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OKC Thunder vs. Washington Wizards [12/23]: Updated Injury Report, Betting odds


The Oklahoma City Thunder (22-5) and Washington Wizards (4-22) will face off in the Paycom Center for a mini one game home stand. The Thunder will then head East for a two game road trip to take on the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets before its elongated home stand to close out December and tip-off January.

The OKC Thunder are poised to extend its seven game winning streak playing an inferior opponent, but they have to start the game fast with the energy needed to run the Wizards off the floor.

Ahead of this game, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Washington Wizards have each added names to its injury report and the betting odds have been updated.

Oklahoma City Thunder

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Washington Wizards

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened up as 18 point favorites over the Washington Wizards according to FanDuel, but that has been bet down to 17.5 as of this afternoon. The Thunder have been good at covering the spread this season, though this is a massive line. However, with two days off after this game, the Thunder might not rest its rotation too much regardless of score.

Want to join the discussion? Like Thunder on SI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.



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