In the least surprising development of the month, the NFL has upheld the two-game suspension the NFL imposed on Steelers receiver DK Metcalf.

Metcalf will miss Week 17 at Cleveland and Week 18 vs. Baltimore. The story goes on to say he’ll lose $555,555 in base salary, with the Steelers also able (if they choose) to recover $1.5 million in signing bonus money and to void $25 million in fully guaranteed pay for 2026, along with $20 million in injury guarantees in 2027. As the story points out, that doesn’t mean the Steelers will do it, but it does give them an easy out from Metcalf’s deal after only one year.

Mike Tomlin said DK Metcalf's suspension could create an opportunity for Roman Wilson "to show his professionalism and his readiness and how he's been sharpening his sword for battle" while he's been a healthy scratch.

We speculated Monday who could get more work with Metcalf possibly not in the lineup. A heavy run approach and more chances for the Steeler TEs seems like a much more likely result. As the post said, Wilson has been a healthy scratch the last three weeks. He would be a risk for fantasy lineups.

The NFL’s precedent when it comes to player interaction with fans has been to impose a fine. Sunday’s behavior by Steelers receiver DK Metcalf was largely unprecedented.

And so the league has suspended Metcalf for two games without pay. Per the NFL, the punishment is for “conduct detrimental to the NFL for initiating a physical confrontation with a fan during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions.”

Related players: Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, Kenneth Gainwell, Calvin Austin III, Ben Skowronek, Scott Miller, Adam Thielen, Marquez Valdes-Scantling

From the league’s press release: “Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that ‘players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and . . . if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.” If the suspension is upheld, Metcalf will miss the Week 17 game at Cleveland and the regular-season finale against the Ravens. From a fantasy standpoint, without Metcalf, the Steelers would seem more likely to involve their TEs to take those targets, and perhaps especially Gainwell from the running back spot.

The league will review the incident with DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lion fan from Week 15's game.

CBS had a clip of Metcalf seemingly wandering over to the stands, grabbing a Lions fan and apparently taking a swing or swipe. Rapoport said a ruling could come Monday night. The fan said Metcalf got mad because he called Metcalf by his full name, and not DK, according to the video. It's very possible Metcalf could be looking at a suspension, which could possibly leave his fantasy owners without him for the finals in Week 17. We'll update as we find out more about this strange incident.

DK Metcalf all good to go today at practice despite suffering an abdominal injury on Sunday

Related Players: Calvin Austin III, Ben Skowronek, Adam Thielen

Good news for Metcalf managers, who are hoping to see if he can replicate his big, 12-target Week 14 performance. He should be considered on the WR2/3 fringe.

Mike Tomlin on DK Metcalf, who was evaluated at a Baltimore hospital after the game with stomach pain: "I don't think it's going to jeopardize his availability at all."

Metcalf stayed in Baltimore Sunday night because of stomach pains but rejoined his team the following day in Pittsburgh. The post went on to say it may impact his practice participation early in the week, but Metcalf should be okay to play by Monday.

DK Metcalf was experiencing stomach pains on the flight and out of an abundance of caution, team medical personnel sent him to a nearby hospital. He's flying back to Pittsburgh today.

Metcalf stayed overnight in a Baltimore hotel after going to a local hospital following the game, the team confirmed. It's good news Metcalf is already on his way back to rejoin his team. The Steelers do play on Monday night, so this will be worth monitoring this week as we get to the fantasy playoffs. Metcalf is coming off a 7-148-0 game where he was targeted 12 times.

Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) and WR DK Metcalf (ankle) were full participants in practice today.

Related Players: Mason Rudolph, Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson

Looks like both Steelers are on track to play Week 13, with lukewarm fantasy implications. Rodgers should be considered in the QB2/3 range, with an inconsistent Metcalf best regarded as a WR3.

The coaches are very high on [Calvin Austin III]. Tomlin calls his trajectory "really exciting," and people I've talked to with the team noted that he gets open often. Austin just doesn't have the numbers (36 catches, 548 yards, 4 touchdowns) to reflect that ability. The offense will heavily feature DK Metcalf and the tight ends, but Austin will have chances with splash plays.

Related players: DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Roman Wilson, Jonnu Smith

Austin is being asked to get open on vertical passing plays the story said as the offense is built around taking advantage of matchups. The Steelers WR2 may end up slotting in as the third option at best in this offense, however, with the addition of Smith at TE.

Details of the Steelers-Cowboys trade expected to be completed today.

Steelers receive 2026 3rd-round pick and a 2027 5th-round pick.

Cowboys receive WR George Pickens and a 2027 6th-round pick.

Related Players: DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Roman Wilson, Pat Freiermuth, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Brooks, Ryan Flournoy

With the relative lack of impactful Draft compensation, it's a wonder this didn't get done prior to or during the 2025 NFL Draft, but Pickens is on the move regardless.

For the Steelers, this makes Roman Wilson a little more intriguing as he heads into Year 2, and Freiermuth should see a little bump closer to high-end TE2 consideration.

For the Cowboys, this slightly lowers CeeDee Lamb's potentially astronomical target share, but gives QB Dak Prescott a much more reliable No. 2 option in what was already projected as a pass-heavy offense with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders making up their backfield. Pickens is now more of a high-end WR3 than a fringe WR4.