6 Steelers fans must watch during their first preseason game vs Buccaneers

Darnell Washington should be able to stand out at tight end for Pittsburgh

Connor Heyward is an interesting player that has seen snaps at all different kinds of positions on offense. He has been utilized at tight end, fullback, and running back as of late. He is currently the top fullback option for the Steelers and is listed as the third string tight end behind Pat Freiermuth and Zach Gentry for the time being.

That pushed rookie third-round pick Darnell Washington down to the fourth option on the opening depth chart. Pittsburgh wants their rookies to earn their snaps and it is more than likely that Heyward will become more of a gadget player for this offense. That will then allow for Washington to at least slide into the third spot at tight end sometime soon.

It was a slow start to training camp for Washington as the rookie seemed to not understand the game without the pads on. Those first couple of days where the Steelers do things without pads on seem to make different players show up or struggle during that period. Those roles sometimes reverse when pads come on and practices get more physical.

Washington could not produce until the pads came on and has started to make plays since then. He has seemingly toyed with defenders and catches nearly every contested throw coming in his direction. With him being lower on the depth chart right now, he should be able to get open often while he is on the field.