Steelers’ DK Metcalf loses appeal of two-game suspension for altercation with fan

NFL suspended DK Metcalf two games without pay due to an argument he had with a fan during Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 16 win over Detroit Lions. Metcalf appealed his suspension, but his appeal was rejected Tuesday night by the officer assigned to represent the NFL and NFLPA.

CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones reports Metcalf triggered suspension which could amount to up to $40 million in voided contract guarantees.

Pittsburgh's veteran wide receiver will miss the Steelers' Week 17 road game against the Steelers. Cleveland Browns and their Week 18 home game against the team. Baltimore Ravens. Pittsburgh (9-6) can clinch the AFC North title with either a win over the Browns or a loss to the Ravens in Green Bay on Saturday night.

Metcalf, who signed a four-year, $132 million contract with Pittsburgh last offseason, will lose $555,556 in salary over the next two weeks.

“I certainly don't condone that behavior, but I support DK Metcalf,” coach Mike Tomlin said of Metcalf during his weekly press conference. “He's great. He cares, he works hard. He's a damn good guy. He's a good teammate and that's what makes him easy to support.”

NFL definite that Metcalf's actions violated league policy, which states that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day, and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or creates crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

Metcalfe Looks like he hit a Lions fan during the first half of Pittsburgh's eventual 29-24 victory. Metcalfe reportedly had a previous history with a fan when he was a member Seattle Seahawks.

On Tuesday morning, another video of the encounter surfaced in which fans said getting Metcalf to react to him “was the goal.”

According to CBS rules analyst Gene Sterator, since the interaction occurred off the field and was not noticed by the officials, it could not have been penalized or resulted in an ejection.

“Because the officials didn't see it – and (you) didn't expect them to do it from where DK Metcalf was, they can't influence it from a refereeing standpoint. However, I have been advised that this will be brought into compliance with the NFL and they will look into it at that point,” Steratore said.

A fan who identified himself as Ryan Kennedy told The Detroit Free Press that the argument arose because he called Metcalfe by his full name. However, a source close to Metcalfe told NFL Media that Kennedy called Metcalf's mom a derogatory word and also called Metcalf “someone we both know is not called a black man.”

Metcalf, who played the entire game, caught four passes for 42 yards and made a key block. Jaylen Warren the second was a 45-yard touchdown that proved to be the game-winner.

How will this affect the Steelers?

Metcalfe's suspension won't matter if Packers defeat the Ravens on Saturday night. If that happens, it will render Pittsburgh's final two games of the regular season meaningless from a playoff standpoint.

However, if the Ravens beat the Packers, Metcalf's absence could be a major factor for the Steelers, who would then need to win one of their two remaining games to clinch the North and the playoff berth that comes with it.

In addition to being the Steelers' leading receiver (in terms of receiving yards), Metcalf is also a physical presence in the running game, as evidenced by Warren's game-winning touchdown against the Lions. Metcalf's physical attributes were one of the reasons the Steelers acquired him this offseason.

If the Steelers need to win one of their remaining two games, Metcalf's absence will undoubtedly put more pressure on Pittsburgh's other veteran players. Fortunately for the Steelers, they have seen a recent surge in production from their pass catchers after acquiring the veteran. Adam Thielen and sign Marquez Valdes-Scantling leave the practice squad.

Tomlin specifically mentioned Roman Wilson there's someone he hopes will step up to help in Metcalf's absence. A 2024 third-round pick, Wilson has 12 catches and two touchdowns this season, but his role has diminished with the recent emergence of Thielen and Valdes-Scantling.

“I'm excited about what this opportunity could mean for him to show growth during a time where he hasn't been involved.” Tomlin said Wilson. “To show his professionalism, his readiness and how he sharpened his sword for battle in the ranks while he wasn’t playing.”

The Steelers also continued to get significant contributions in the passing game from Warren and his fellow running backs. Kenneth Gainwell. Combined, the duo caught 95 passes for 710 yards and five touchdowns, including Gainwell's incredible 45-yard touchdown during Sunday's win over the Lions. Gainwell is actually the Steelers' leading pass catcher, with 62 catches in 15 games.

Pittsburgh also has its best rushing performance of the season with 230 yards on 27 carries. Warren, who had two 45-yard touchdown passes, is averaging 4.5 yards per carry and is 172 yards away from his first 1,000-yard rush of the season. Gainwell complemented Warren with 501 yards on the ground and a team-high 4.9 yards per carry.

Metcalf's suspension will only affect the Steelers if the Ravens win on Saturday night. But even if that happens, Pittsburgh appears to have several players capable of filling the void.