Aaron Rodgers disputes Cris Collinsworth’s take on Steelers QB stopping Darnell Washington's position move

Aaron Rodgers denied a recent Cris Collinsworth report about his desire to keep Darnell Washington away from the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line and retain him as a tight end. Washington, a 300-pound player, could be switching to the offensive line at some point in his career, but the Steelers prefer to use him as a weapon for Rodgers.

During Sunday's broadcast of the Steelers-Chargers game, Collinsworth and Mike Tirico were talking up Washington. The analyst suggested that Rodgers prevented the team from moving Washington to the offensive line.

On Wednesday, Steelers beat reporter Brooke Pryor said she talked with Aaron Rodgers about that claim. The veteran quarterback denied he had something to do with the decision to keep Darnell Washington as a tight end.

"Asked Aaron Rodgers about the Darnell Washington anecdote Cris Collinsworth told on SNF broadcast -- that the QB stopped coaches from moving the TE to tackle. Rodgers says definitively that's not his recollection. So, no, there was never a plan for Washington to play OT," Pryor tweeted.

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The Steelers use Darnell Washington as a pass catcher and run-blocker in heavy packages, which has drawn a lot of attention to the Georgia product. He was selected with the No. 93 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his impact is getting more attention this season.

In nine games, he has been targeted 21 times, catching 14 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown. Washington has the size to play in the offensive line, but the Steelers have found more ways to use him.

Aaron Rodgers has moved on from bad performance against the Chargers

Aaron Rodgers is ready to move on from the Week 10 loss to the LA Chargers. The four-time NFL MVP couldn't lead his team to victory, going 16 of 31 for 161 yards and one touchdown against two interceptions and three sacks.

On Wednesday, Rodgers made it clear he's focused on the next challenge, adding that not every game will be perfect.

"There’s going to be a stinker every now and then," Rodgers told reporters on Wednesday. "You just got to bounce back, get back to the things you do and get back into your routine, and try to be better the next week.”

Pittsburgh will clash with the Cincinnati Bengals for the second time this season, trying to get revenge for their Week 6 loss.

Edited by Orlando Silva