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.

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.

Via NFL Media, the Steelers claimed the balance of Adam Thielen’s contract.

The story speculated Thielen will get more time in Pittsburgh but may take time for him to get up to speed with the playbook. All that makes him a risky play for fantasy anyway, especially considering the fantasy playoffs are approaching.

Homecoming: Panthers and Vikings are finalizing a trade for WR Adam Thielen to return to Minnesota, sources tell ESPN.

The trade: Vikings get Thielen, a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Panthers get a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Thielen starred for the Vikings from 2013-2022. Now he returns.

Related Players: Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker

This is a good move to ease J.J. McCarthy into the league with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games. Thielen is heading into his age-35 (!!) season and doesn't offer nearly the run-after-catch ability as he did in his heyday, but he can operate as a consistent option for the young QB. He's unlikely to hit double-digit targets as he did a couple times last year with JJ and T.J. Hockenson around, but he could be playable for desperate deep-league managers.

Back in Carolina, this helps clear the runway for Jalen Coker to operate as the Panthers' primary slot option after a pretty impressive rookie season for a UDFA. He's an interesting stash.

Vikings and Panthers have tried to work out a trade for Carolina WR Adam Thielen.

Related players: Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jalen Nailor

Schefter's post said Thielen would like to return to Minnesota, but the two sides continue to struggle to agree on compensation. The Vikings could use help at WR with Addison suspended. Thielen would likely be the team's WR3 when at full strength in a couple of weeks, probably pushing Nailor down the depth chart. In Carolina, Thielen could be considered the team's WR2, but if he departs Legette likely takes that role behind McMillan with Coker moving up to the team's WR3 role. Whatever the hurdles seem to be, one would think this deal gets done at some point.

Vikings have inquired about trading for Panthers WR Adam Thielen, per league sources.

With WR Jordan Addison serving a three-game suspension and Jalen Nailor dealing with a hand injury, Thielen could wind up starting opening night for the Vikings if they can complete the trade.

We're projecting a pretty run-heavy approach for Minnesota this season, so it's hard to imagine Thielen providing a lot of long-term fantasy production. This does help McCarthy's floor as a low-end QB2.

WR Jalen Coker is doubtful for Sunday.

Related Players: Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, David Moore

The rookie had some decent games heading into the team's Week 11 bye, but hasn't been able to see the field in the two weeks since. He's a safe drop in most every league size but remains an interesting Dynasty hold as we look ahead to 2025.

Panthers expect to get Adam Thielen back this week.

Related players: Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, David Moore

Thielen has missed all this time with a hamstring injury but looks like he'll be back in a game against the Chiefs. The team announced Bryce Young as the starting QB, but either way, it will be tough to trust Thielen in fantasy lineups in his first game back in a tough matchup. Thielen could have some value in deeper leagues if he's still on your wire, but the Panthers may want to get more looks from their younger WRs. It's best to take the "wait-and-see" approach with Thielen this week.

The Panthers have activated WR Adam Thielen from IR.

Related players: Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, David Moore

Thielen is at the end of his 21-day window to practice and has been dealing with a hamstring injury. It's tough to tell just what the Panthers will do with Thielen in their WR pecking order, but he may very well step right in an be a top target. The Panthers seem like they're trying to get QB Bryce Young to develop with Legette and Coker, but Thielen could also prove to be a nice security blanket for Young. Those looking for WR help may want to make room on your roster for Thielen, especially the deeper the league.

According to multiple reports, Dallas is acquiring second-year receiver Jonathan Mingo from Carolina.

Related players: Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, David Moore, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert

The Cowboys will receive Mingo and a 2025 seventh-round pick for a 2025 fourth-round pick. Mingo, 23, was a second-round pick last season, catching 43 passes for 418 yards. But he has been largely phased out of the offense in 2024, catching just 12 passes for 121 yards in nine games — despite being on the field for 56 percent of the club’s offensive snaps. Mingo has not had a catch since the Oct. 13 loss to Atlanta, and that was for just 1 yard. He’s received four targets over the last two games, the story went on to say. In Carolina, Legette should remain the team's top target. Thielen could end up getting moved today as well, but is due back soon. Coker should get WR2 looks for the rest of the season. Meanwhile in Dallas, Lamb is banged up but has a chance to play in Week 10. Mingo could eventually climb up as the WR2 if he can pass Tolbert, but this change of scenery could at least leave him as the team's WR3 in the immediate future once he gets up to speed. Coker has already been a popular pickup, but if Mingo is on your wire he may be worth adding with the hope his value goes up, mostly in deeper leagues.