The 2023 third-round pick barely made a dent in the box score as a rookie, catching seven balls for 61 yards. To no one’s surprise, the arrival of Arthur Smith as the Steelers offensive coordinator turned things in Washington’s favor. He more than doubled his target total of 10 in 2023 to 25 this year. Washington caught 19 balls for 200 yards and one score as an NFL sophomore. While the lumbering tight end isn’t on the fantasy radar heading into his third season, he has carved out enough of a role to remain a deep stash in dynasty leagues.

Washington hauled in a 17-yard pass last in the third quarter and then found himself on the receiving end of a 25-yard pass over the middle of the field on the following drive. The 42 yards set a new career-high for Washington, who now has three games of 30-plus receiving yards this season. The Steelers seem to be incorporating him more in the passing game, but he doesn’t have any fantasy utility at this time.

Three of Washington’s four targets were designed screens away from pressure, signifying an intent to keep the towering tight end involved in the offensive game plan amidst the quarterback change in Pittsburgh. Even so, Washington has yet to return a usable fantasy score through seven games and can safely be left on the waiver wire.

Washington was expected to step into a bigger role with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) sidelined, but it was Connor Heyward who led the tight ends with four targets on the afternoon. With the Steelers now heading into their Week 6 bye, it’s possible Freiermuth returns for Week 7 against the Rams.