The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get a much needed win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in Week 14. The win propelled Pittsburgh to first place in the AFC North, which means the franchise now controls its own destiny when it comes to the postseason. The Steelers have a good chance to lock the division up before its Week 18 clash with Baltimore, which could be a game where the winner moves on to the playoffs and loser goes home. This is the narrow road of the season where the playoffs start to take shape, and Pittsburgh rose to the occasion on Sunday.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin on the practice field preparing for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2025 season.
Pittsburgh entered this game with a record of 6-6, and a loss would have really ruined the chances of the Steelers heading to the postseason. The group found a way to get the win over its rival in a pivotal game, and the Steelers saw big performances from some of the star players on the roster. Both DK Metcalf and Jaylen Warren made contributions on the offensive side of the ball, but the two also went in on special teams.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about Metcalf's selfless actions during his press conference, and he made sure to highlight the running back as well.
"I just think that's what time of year it is," Tomlin said. "That's what type of game it was. I'm thankful for his efforts, but he wasn't the only one. Jaylen Warren for example returned kicks in the game. The road's getting narrow. It's AFC North football, etc. There are a lot of reasons why that type of attitude and approach was required."
Metcalf filled in as a gunner on the final punt of the game by Pittsburgh, while Warren returned kicks throughout the contest. Warren returning kicks isn't all that bizarre, but Metcalf covering punts is extremely uncommon at the professional level for a star wide receiver. Typically, teams do not want one of their highest-paid players to be putting themselves at risk on special teams, but the former Pro Bowler had no problem stepping up and taking the field.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DK Metcalf celebrates after a big catch during the 2025 season in a win on the road over the Ravens.
The instance where Metcalf took the field to cover a punt occurred when the usual lead Pittsburgh gunner, Ben Skowronek, had to nurse a finger injury late in the contest. Metcalf voluntarily took the field in relief of him. Skowronek then went and told the other gunner to leave the field and he took his spot, which shows the mentality that special teams guys have.
DK Metcalf played gunner on a punt late in yesterday's game.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) December 8, 2025
He's making an average of $32.9M per year.pic.twitter.com/qxKDe1JPGY
Metcalf's willingness to take the field in that instant shows his competitive spirit, which is a breath of fresh air in the receiving room for fans in Pittsburgh. He is a selfless player who is at the stage of his career where he only cares about winning, which is something a lot of players on the roster have in common.
Steelers' Jaylen Warren Helped Out In Relief Of An Injury As Well
Pittsburgh has been using Ke'Shawn Williams as a returner for some time now, but he was in concussion protocol after the Week 13 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Warren stepped in as a returner on Sunday, and he returned one kick for 19 yards. He has experience in this realm as he returned a handful of kicks for Pittsburgh back in 2024, and he returned to that role alongside Kenneth Gainwell against Baltimore.
AP Photo
Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell celebrate after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Both backs have been extremely effective for the Steelers during the season, as each player is likely to surpass 1,000 all purpose yards for the team -- which is a feat Gainwell has already achieved.
What did you think about Metcalf and Warren helping out on special teams on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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