The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Sunday in full must-win mode against the Baltimore Ravens. A loss would have dropped Pittsburgh’s playoff odds to just 18 percent, but instead, the defense delivered when it mattered most, and the Steelers now sit alone atop the AFC North.

But the victory didn’t come without concern.

Darnell Washington, Malik Harrison Exit With Concussions

Tight end Darnell Washington, who opened the year as the Steelers’ No. 3 TE, has quietly become a key security blanket for Aaron Rodgers. Despite limited usage and the awkward rotation with Jonnu Smith, Washington has emerged as a physical, reliable presence, trailing Pat Freiermuth by only four catches and 22 yards entering Week 14.

However, Washington landed hard on his head after a contested grab and was ruled out almost immediately with a concussion. His yards-after-catch ability has been one of the few consistent bright spots for Pittsburgh’s offense, and losing him will be felt throughout the stretch run. Washington’s value in the run game, particularly in jumbo packages, cannot be overstated.

If there’s one position Pittsburgh is built to absorb injuries at, it’s tight end. Freiermuth is a Pro Bowler, and the DK Metcalf resurgence opened up matchups the Ravens dared him to win, and he did. Still, Washington’s absence will not be a minor one.

Malik Harrison Out After Collision With Derrick Henry

Linebacker Malik Harrison was also ruled out quickly after a heavy collision with Derrick Henry. Harrison, signed from Baltimore this offseason, was brought in to be a base-defense thumper, exactly the type of game he was playing Sunday before the injury.

Cole Holcomb replaced him, returning to base defense duties after recovering from his midseason illness. Pittsburgh will monitor Harrison’s status throughout the week, though early indications suggest he may miss time.

Payton Wilson remains in rotation, but his struggles against the run make early-down work complicated. Pittsburgh prefers lighter personnel groupings, where Wilson’s nickel ability shines, but Harrison’s injury still poses a concern heading into the final month.

A Win With a Celebration, Rodgers & Rudolph Steal the Spotlight

Despite the injuries, the Steelers came away with the most important result of the season: a 27–22 win over the Ravens that put Pittsburgh in control of the AFC North.

And as the clock hit zero, cameras captured one of the most joyful moments of the year, Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph embracing on the sideline, celebrating the victory with a burst of emotion that instantly went viral among Steelers fans.

The veteran-mentor and longtime backup shared a moment that symbolized the unity of this year’s locker room, a team battered by injuries, doubted for weeks, but now very much alive and leading the division.

Pittsburgh moves forward with