NFL Upholds Steelers WR DK Metcalf Suspension

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers will not have wide receiver DK Metcalf available for the final two regular season games of the 2025 season after a physical altercation with a Detroit Lions fan the NFL imposed a two game suspension on the receiver. In response. Metcalf appealed the decision.

Despite his best efforts, the Steelers’ star receiver will not be allowed to return for the rest of the regular season. He met with the league for his appeals hearing, but the outcome is not the one he was hoping for. The suspension has been upheld by the NFL, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

NFL upheld DK Metcalf’s two-game suspension. He now will miss Pittsburgh’s final two regular-season games at Cleveland and against Baltimore. Metcalf now loses $555,556 in salary and has the guarantees on $45 million voided.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 24, 2025

Tomlin Backs WR

During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike Tomlin was asked multiple times about the Metcalf situation. Because of the sensitivity of the situation, Tomlin declined to share too many comments or thoughts.

The one thing Tomlin made clear, however, was that he supports his wide receiver. He does not condone or accept the action, but he showed how much stands behind Metcalf.

“He explained to me why he did what he did,” Tomlin stated. “I certainly don't condone what he did, but I support DK.”

Tomlin also discussed the difficulties of playing in today’s professional sports atmosphere. He explained that hateful rhetoric and inciteful language are part of the sports world, not just at the professional level. It’s something you have to get used to and tune out.

”I just think volatile rhetoric is a component of our business, unfortunately,” he admitted. ”It just is. But not only our business, but college and youth sport parents. It’s just a component of sports.”

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts after a play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Steelers Plan Without Metcalf

The wide receiver position is taking a huge hit as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for weeks 17 and 18 in addition to Metcalf suspension Calvin Austin the third suffered a hamstring injury that forced him out of their week 16 contest and could limit him against their the Cleveland Browns in week 17.

Down to passing options, the Steelers will have to rely heavily on their midseason veteran acquisitions to carry the load the offense will turn to 35-year-old Adam Thielen and favorite of Aaron Rodgers Marquez Valdes-Scantling to take on much more in the offensive game plan.

This could also open the door for second year wide receiver, Roman Wilson to make his return to the offense the former third round pick has been out accosted and relegated to the inactive roster as the veterans have made their way up the death chart now that the group is injured and battered Wilson could see his next shot come and it could be his final one to make an impact on the Steelers lineup.

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