As a fourth-year player who began the season No. 4 at his position and will head for free agency this spring, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington recognizes he’s got a crucial chance to make an impression.

“Every opportunity is gold,” Washington said this week, “because you just never know when you are going to get them. When you are in there, you just have to make the most of every opportunity.”

Washington got quite the opportunity last week. Based on production, he didn’t succeed in taking advantage of it. With Chase Claypool out because of a toe injury and JuJu Smith-Schuster already out for the season, Washington played a career-high 76 offensive snaps. But despite the Steelers throwing 50 passes, Washington caught only two and gained just 15 yards in the 16-16 tie with the Detroit Lions. One of those receptions was an early 9-yard touchdown.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 14, 2021

Washington earned the official “start” (he was on the field for the first snap) for the second time this season and 25th time in his career. Washington’s 87% share of the snaps played is the third-highest ratio of his career.

“I am just trying to do what I can,” Washington said. “Guys are hurt right now so guys are having to step up and do more than we are used to. So that’s where I am at, and that’s what I am going to do.”

Washington was thrown to a season-most six times Sunday after getting five targets the previous four games combined. With Claypool perhaps returning to the lineup for Sunday’s scheduled game at the Los Angeles Chargers, Washington’s role might diminish again.

Scheduled for unrestricted free agency this offseason, Washington reportedly asked for a trade during training camp, something he did not deny when asked about it later.

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