The Pittsburgh Steelers are bracing for a pivotal Week 18 clash against the Baltimore Ravens, and the week leading up to the game has been anything but quiet. With roster shuffles, injury updates, Hall of Fame heartbreak, and even a close look at the officiating crew, the black-and-gold faithful have plenty to chew on as the regular season finale approaches.
Let’s start with the roster moves that have dominated the headlines this week. The Steelers announced on December 31, 2025, that tight end Darnell Washington, who suffered a broken arm during Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns, has officially been placed on the Reserve/Injured list. Washington’s injury, sustained in a hard-fought Week 17 battle, ends his season prematurely—a disappointing outcome for a player who had begun carving out a meaningful role in the Steelers’ offense. According to the team’s official statement, “We have signed OL Jack Driscoll to the Active Roster, signed TE Jaheim Bell to the practice squad and placed TE Darnell Washington on the Reserve/Injured List.” Steelers fans will hope that Washington returns next season not only healthy but primed to become an even bigger contributor.
To fill the void left by Washington, the Steelers promoted offensive lineman Jack Driscoll to the active roster and added tight end Jaheim Bell to the practice squad. The franchise also made a defensive adjustment, signing defensive tackle Kyler Baugh to the practice squad while releasing defensive back Daryl Porter. Baugh, who was originally signed by the Steelers during training camp and has bounced around NFL practice squads, brings much-needed depth as Pittsburgh braces for the Ravens’ run-heavy attack. As the Steelers’ official site notes, “Baugh entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the New Orleans Saints following the 2024 NFL Draft… He played two seasons at the University of Minnesota, appearing in 26 games.”
Injuries remain a central storyline. Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Tuesday, December 30, providing updates on several key players. Tight end Darnell Washington’s status was confirmed as out for Week 18, with the likelihood of his IR designation, now realized. The Steelers are also monitoring the recoveries of outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung), guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps), and wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring). Tomlin’s comments on the team’s health were cautiously optimistic, hinting at possible returns but remaining noncommittal. “We’ll see how the week progresses,” Tomlin remarked, emphasizing the need for flexibility as the team preps for its must-win finale.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson’s limited usage in Week 17 was another topic of discussion. Tomlin acknowledged the situation, suggesting that game flow and matchups dictated the rotation but leaving the door open for a larger role in the finale. The deployment of tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith also drew scrutiny, with Tomlin hinting at continued versatility and adaptation heading into the Ravens matchup.
Of course, the Steelers’ Week 17 loss to the Browns still looms large. The All-22 tape review, discussed in detail on Season 16, Episode 71 of The Terrible Podcast, highlighted both offensive and defensive performances. The offense, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, struggled to find rhythm, particularly in the final three possessions. On the defensive side, the Steelers rebounded from a shaky start—allowing an early 10-0 deficit—to ultimately keep the team in contention. Missed plays and execution lapses were noted, but the defense’s resilience was a bright spot in an otherwise tough afternoon.
Injury updates from around the league also impact the Steelers’ playoff hopes. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been battling a back injury, is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, January 1. Meanwhile, T.J. Watt’s status remains a question mark, with Tomlin and the team taking a day-by-day approach. The health of these two stars could prove decisive in determining the outcome of Sunday’s high-stakes showdown.
Adding another wrinkle to the Week 18 narrative is the officiating crew assigned to the game. Referee Shawn Smith and his team have a track record that’s caught the attention of both coaching staffs and fans. According to NFL Ref Stats, “Divisional HOME teams are just 16-25-2 ATS (37%) in referee Shawn Smith’s career, although they are 3-1-1 ATS in 2025. The Steelers are 5-3-1 SU w/ Smith, including 0-1 SU/ATS as a Divisional HOME team.” Smith’s crew is also known for calling a league-low percentage of offensive holding and false start penalties, while ranking among the highest in awarding automatic first downs via penalty. Notably, “No officiating crew has called more UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS than this one the past three seasons.” Both teams will need to be mindful of discipline, especially with playoff implications on the line.
Off the field, the Pro Football Hall of Fame delivered another dose of disappointment for Steelers Nation. On December 30, the Hall announced its 15 finalists for the 2026 class, and once again, legendary Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and linebacker James Harrison were left off the list. Ward, the franchise’s all-time leading receiver and MVP of Super Bowl XL, has been a semifinalist every year since becoming eligible but has yet to break through. Harrison, who retired as the team’s all-time sack leader and owns two Super Bowl rings, also faces a frustrating wait. The official 2026 Hall of Fame class will be unveiled during Super Bowl week on February 5, 2026, but for now, the Steelers’ greats must remain patient. As one local columnist put it, “The thought of Ward having to continue to wait while other receivers who played in a different era with better stats is disheartening.”
The Terrible Podcast’s latest 112-minute episode, released December 31, dug into these Hall of Fame snubs, breaking down what it might take for Ward to eventually earn his gold jacket. The show also fielded listener emails and provided a comprehensive look at the Steelers’ current situation, from roster moves to on-field analysis. For diehard fans, it’s a must-listen as anticipation builds for Sunday’s showdown.
Meanwhile, Steelers fans looking to show their support can check out new merchandise designs for the 2025 season, now available in the SCN store. With slogans like “Just Throw it to DK” capturing the mood of the fanbase, there’s no shortage of ways to gear up for the regular season finale.
As kickoff approaches for the Steelers’ Week 18 battle with the Ravens, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With injuries, roster moves, and Hall of Fame drama swirling, Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes hang in the balance. All eyes will be on Heinz Field this Sunday to see if the Steelers can overcome adversity and punch their ticket to the postseason.