Steelers' DK Metcalf Speaks For First Time Since Viral Altercation Versus Lions

Not only will the Pittsburgh Steelers be moving on to the postseason after their big Week 18 win, but they will also be getting a key piece on offense back. Wide receiver DK Metcalf will be playing in his first game since Week 16, where he was caught on camera getting into it with a fan and even grabbing him from over the railing before taking a swipe at him. The NFL suspended Metcalf for two games, and his appeal attempt was upheld. Now, he is back and ready to prove himself when it matters most. 

In his first day back in the locker room, Metcalf was swarmed by the media asking about everything that happened and if he was surprised by the NFL's decision. He pretty much gave the same answer each time.

"I can't walk y'all through nothing that happened," Metcalf said. "Yes [I was surprised], but that's all I can say."

As the interview went on, Metcalf was definitely growing impatient with all the questions about that incident, as he refused to open up about anything that happened during that timeframe. He is just happy to be back with the team for the postseason run. With the game happening on Monday night, he will get an extra day to train and get ready after all that time away from the team. 

If the Steelers lost in Week 18, everyone would be talking about how Metcalf's supposed selfish, childish actions caused the team to choke away yet another season and miss the playoffs. That Week 17 loss was embarrassing enough, and losing at home to end the season would have been an absolute disaster. Crisis was averted, however, and the season will go on for at least one more week. 

Luckily, the Steelers will be at home for the Wild Card Round, so they likely won't have to deal with unruly fans saying anything to get under his skin and make him react in a way that gets him kicked out of the game. He can go back to doing what he does best: making opposing defenses do everything in their power to shut him down so others can get wide open and make plays until they leave him one-on-one on the outside.

Steelers Get Major Boost With Metcalf Back

The Steelers definitely missed Metcalf, even if they put up 26 points in the regular season finale. With him back, they won't have to over-rely on guys like Scotty Miller and Marquez Valdez-Scantling to come in and make the big-time plays that the WR1 would usually make. He can either get those huge targets to help win the game, or he can eat up two defenders at once while Calvin Austin III breaks another cornerback's ankles on national TV. 

The Houston Texans have the best defense in the NFL, so having Metcalf back is a much-needed break for the Steelers. Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre are some of the best defensive backs in the league as well, and they most likely would have had no problem shutting down Austin and Valdez-Scantling all night long. Now, they have to focus on the true WR1 of the team, and maybe both players will shadow him all game. 

What do you think about Metcalf being back in the team facilities? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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