DK Metcalf’s season has been a roller coaster. Between his explosive September, quiet October, and resurgent December, fans have been kept guessing. However, the end of his regular season has the biggest question of them all.
Metcalf had an altercation with a fan, which is placing his availability for Week 17 in doubt. Here’s a look at whether the Pittsburgh Steelers will be able to count on its top wide receiver during Christmas week.
DK Metcalf’s Status for Week 17
DK Metcalf’s altercation with a fan will cost him Week 17. The NFL suspended the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver after multiple viral videos surfaced of the receiver grabbing a fan by his blue hair and punching him.
The fan was seen calling over at Metcalf from the stands, using his full first name: DeKaylin. Metcalf took the bait, walking to the stands and grabbing the fan before punching up at him. According to the fan’s attorneys via a Dec. 22 ESPN report, the fan claims not to have used any “racial, misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident.”
The fan involved in the DK Metcalf incident has issued a statement through his attorney, denying accusations that he used racial slurs or misogynistic language.
Footage obtained by Preme Sports appears to back him up. In the video, Kennedy is only heard saying Metcalf’s full… pic.twitter.com/VL4yYJ76i1
— Preme Football (@premefootball) December 22, 2025
An investigation is ongoing, but the NFL has ruled twice that Metcalf will miss Week 17. It initially suspended him and confirmed the suspension after Metcalf appealed. The suspension will cost him more than half a million dollars this week, but that’s not the end of it.
DK Metcalf’s Return Date
Not only is DK Metcalf suspended for Week 17, but he is also suspended for Week 18. Metcalf will miss the Week 17 contest against the Cleveland Browns and the Week 18 contest against the Baltimore Ravens.
The receiver will be eligible to return in the playoffs. Of course, the team would need to reach the postseason first. According to the NFL playoff picture, Pittsburgh has a 91% chance of making the playoffs this year. However, there is a road to missing the playoffs if Pittsburgh loses the division.
Metcalf’s regular season ended with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns.
The 850 yards will be the lowest of his career, missing the previous low of 900 yards in Metcalf’s rookie season.
Read more:
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Best NFL Streaming Defenses Week 17: Top Fantasy Options To Target Right Now
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