Without Darnell Washington, the Steelers could extensively deploy Spencer Anderson as an extra blocker today against the Ravens. With Isaac Seumalo back, they no longer need Anderson to line up at guard. He is now, effectively, their primary blocking tight end, which could mean extensive playing time.
While Mike Tomlin talks about the versatility of his tight ends, he also refers to weight classes when talking about Darnell Washington’s particular role. Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith are nowhere near Washington’s weight class, but Spencer Anderson is.
The Steelers have used Washington and Anderson as a duo extensively this season in a sort of jumbo formation.