The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Sunday’s showdown with the Baltimore Ravens knowing exactly what was at stake: a shot at the AFC North lead and a chance to right the ship after back-to-back losses. But in typical AFC North fashion, the battle came with its share of bruises-both on the scoreboard and the injury report.
The Steelers lost two key contributors during the game: rookie tight end Darnell Washington and linebacker Malik Harrison, both ruled out with concussions. That’s a tough blow for a team already walking a fine line between playoff hopeful and postseason outsider.
Washington, the towering tight end out of Georgia, has flashed serious potential this season. Whether it’s his physical run-blocking or highlight-reel plays-like that vicious stiff-arm he unleashed on a Bengals defender-he’s become more than just a developmental piece.
He’s a weapon. Losing him, especially in a game of this magnitude, limits Pittsburgh’s ability to stretch the field and control the edge in the run game.
On the other side of the ball, Harrison has been a steady presence in a defense that’s shown some cracks this year. He’s helped fill gaps, both literally and figuratively, for a unit that hasn’t looked quite like the dominant Pittsburgh defenses of the past. His absence only amplifies the pressure on a front seven that’s already been tested by injuries and inconsistent play.
Both teams came into this game at 6-6, locked in a division race that feels more like a four-way sprint than a marathon. And with the Ravens and Steelers set to meet again later this season, this game isn’t just about bragging rights-it’s about survival in a crowded AFC playoff picture.
Pittsburgh’s recent losses to the Bears and Bills have fans on edge. The frustration is real, and much of it is being directed at head coach Mike Tomlin.
Despite never having a losing season in his 17 years at the helm, Tomlin’s seat feels warmer than it has in a long time. The Steelers are teetering on the edge of that .500 mark, and the margin for error is shrinking fast.
But inside the organization, the tone seems far more measured. According to reports, Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh remains firmly in his hands.
If he’s not coaching the Steelers in 2026, it’ll be because he decided to walk away-not because the front office pushed him out. And while the idea of a “coach trade” has floated around in media circles, there’s no real traction behind that narrative.
One of the more surprising storylines this season has been the presence of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers in black and gold. After an injury-hampered stint with the Jets, Rodgers is now trying to stabilize a Steelers offense that’s been searching for rhythm.
He’s been battling a wrist issue, but still managed to lead a few promising touchdown drives in this game. His leadership and experience are invaluable, especially in these high-stakes divisional matchups.
As of now, the game is still underway, but the implications are crystal clear. The winner walks away with the AFC North lead and a critical tiebreaker.
The loser? They’ll need to claw their way back into the playoff picture, with little room left for missteps.
This is the kind of game that defines a season-and maybe even a coaching legacy.