DK

Metcalf

The offseason move from the Seahawks to the Steelers proved unfruitful for the seven-year veteran receiver, who notched the fewest receptions (59) since his rookie season (58) and returned the lowest yardage output of his career (850). We’re not sure what we expected as the WR1 in an Arthur Smith offense that ranked third in the league in snaps with multiple tight ends on the field in 2025, but his inflated offseason ADP now looks silly in hindsight. Not only that, but the future of the franchise appears murky with quarterback Aaron Rodgers expected to retire and head coach Mike Tomlin potentially on the hot seat after losing seven straight postseason appearances, leaving Metcalf in fantasy limbo as the Steelers head to their offseason.

Metcalf was suspended for two games for throwing a punch at a fan in Week 16 while Perryman was suspended for the same timeframe for repeated player safety violations following a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cowboys WR Ryan Flournoy. Both players were reinstated as their respective teams prepare for the postseason, meaning they are cleared to practice ahead of the Wildcard Round.

Metcalf was suspended for two games after throwing a punch at a Detroit fan in Week 16. That suspension allowed the Steelers to void $45 million in future guarantees on Metcalf’s contract. The Steelers, however, are doubling down on Metcalf by letting the guarantees stand. Glazer has a copy of a security report filed by Metcalf last year, complaining about the same fan while he was playing for Seattle. The history of repeated harassment by the fan certainly paints Metcalf’s actions in a different light, even though they were still deemed worthy of a suspension. Metcalf is eligible to return in the playoffs, assuming the Steelers go on to win the AFC North and secure the No. 4 seed in the AFC.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on Tuesday that the league “and the Lions will not take action against the fan involved in the altercation with Steelers WR DK Metcalf on Sunday in Detroit because ‘there was no violation of the fan code of conduct,’ per source.” Metcalf was seen throwing a punch at the fan, Ryan Kennedy, after the two exchanged words during the Steelers’ Week 16 game against the Lions. The league refuted the report from its employee, Rapoport. “The report about the fan and discipline was not accurate,” and NFL spokesperson told Pro Football Talk. “The matter remains under review and the league is following up with the club.” Metcalf alleged Kennedy used a racial slur and insulted his mother before the skirmish took place. Kennedy denies this.

Metcalf was suspended by the NFL for the final two games of the regular season after an altercation with a fan in the Steelers’ Week 16 win over the Lions. He appealed the ruling, having previously reported the fan to Seahawks team security prior to his trade to the Steelers. An appeals officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA upheld Metcalf’s suspension and he will now miss Weeks 17 and 18 against the Browns and Ravens. It is costly in two ways for Metcalf; he will lose $555K in salary and has $45 million guaranteed voided, while the Steelers will not have him for a stretch run in which a win clinches the AFC North for them. Roman Wilson is in line for increased opportunities with Metcalf out, though we do not recommend him for fantasy lineups in the fantasy championship.

Metcalf’s appeal comes one day after the NFL suspended him for two games following an altercation with a fan during the Steelers’ Week 16 win against the Lions. Metcalf said the fan, Ryan Kennedy, used a racial slur — an accusation Kennedy has denied through a lawyer. Metcalf had reported Kennedy to Seahawks team security in a previous trip to Detroit to play the Lions before he was traded to the Steelers. “He did explain to me why he did what he did,” Tomlin said of Metcalf. “I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK.” Metcalf would miss the team’s final two regular season games and return for the playoffs if the two-game punishment stands.

Metcalf plans on appealing the two-game suspension that was handed down after his altercation with a fan in Detroit on Sunday. Metcalf said the fan, Ryan Kennedy, used a racial slur — an accusation Kennedy has denied through a lawyer. Metcalf had reported Kennedy to Seahawks team security in a previous trip to Detroit to play the Lions before he was traded to the Steelers. If the two-game suspension is upheld, the Steelers offense will likely revert to a run-heavy approach for the final two games of the regular season against the Browns and Ravens. Calvin Austin and Adam Thielen could see an uptick in targets, along with Kenneth Gainwell and Darnell Washington.

Metcalf will have a chance to appeal the league’s decision and plans to do so, but if the two-game suspension is upheld, the Steelers’ WR1 will miss Week 17 against the Browns and Week 18 against the Ravens. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero notes that Metcalf reported the same fan to security last season after an interaction with the fan while he was with the Seahawks, but things escalated this time, as Metcalf could be seen pulling the fan’s shirt and later swiping at him before walking away. The Steelers currently sit at 9-6 on the season and are in first place in the AFC North. They can secure their spot in the playoffs with a win on Sunday.

Metcalf was seen jawing with a Lions fan in the first half of Sunday’s game, and appeared to throw a punch in the direction of the fan. The fan involved in the incident spoke with a member of the Detroit Free Press after the game, and said Metcalf came over to him after he called him by his full name. Metcalf will almost certainly be fined for his involvement with the fan, but a suspension could also be on the table. We would expect to hear a final decision on this later in the day.

The only thing anyone will remember about this game regarding Metcalf is his altercation with a Lions fan at the end of the first half. Metcalf was spotted near the stands jawing with the fan. He then threw a punch at the fan’s face, though the blow appeared to miss. Either way, we’re expecting a suspension for Metcalf. The only question is how long the NFL will put him on ice for. No matter what, fantasy managers should plan on being without him for the championship round next week.