Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward warned the league he would be back. On Monday, it became official. Pittsburgh Steelers wideout D.K. Metcalf received league reinstatement from his 2-game suspension.
With that, Metcalf spoke in front of the media for the first time since engaging in an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during Week 16.
While speaking to reporters Monday, Metcalf showcased a wide range of emotions. The receiver was very blunt and terse when briefly addressing the moment that led to his suspension.
“I can’t walk you through nothing that happened,” said Metcalf, via TribLive.com’s Chris Adamski.
Reporters asked follow-up questions about the incident, but perhaps for legal reasons, the receiver continued to decline to comment on the altercation. The only short comment Metcalf made was saying “yeah” to a question about whether he was surprised the league upheld his 2-game suspension.
But in front of reporters, Metcalf also expressed tremendous excitement about being back in the team facility with at least one more game to play.
“I’m excited to be able to be back in the building around my teammates,” Metcalf said. “Being in meetings, going to practice, all the things that encompass a week of preparation.”
The veteran receiver also showcased that excitement through a video he posted to his Instagram account.
Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf Set to Return for Playoffs
Hopefully there will be a time where Metcalf is permitted to publicly comment on the altercation with the fan in Detroit. That’s assuming he will want to do that when the time comes.
For now, though, whether by choice or not, Metcalf appears focused on football.
Without Metcalf against the No. 3 pass defense in the league during Week 17, the Steelers didn’t score a touchdown. They didn’t reach the end zone in the first half Sunday night either. But the Steelers offense started rolling in the second half against the Baltimore Ravens.
Metcalf’s return should make things easier for quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers passing game against the Houston Texans in the wild card round. During the regular season, Metcalf led the Steelers with 850 receiving yards, 14.4 yards per reception and six receiving touchdowns.
Pittsburgh doesn’t have another receiver who can stretch the field like Metcalf. With him in the lineup, the Steelers should have better opportunities at chunk plays. Metcalf can also pull multiple defenders away from other pass-catchers, giving other players chances to make plays underneath the opposition’s coverage.
Steelers Hosting Texans in AFC Wild Card Round
Pittsburgh couldn’t be getting Metcalf back at a better time. The Steelers won the AFC North with their Week 18 victory.
But with a 10-7 record, they are the lowest-seeded division winner in the conference. On wild card weekend, the Steelers will host the top-seeded AFC wild card team — the Texans. With nine consecutive victories entering the postseason, Houston is one of the hottest teams in the league.
The Texans also own the NFL’s No. 1 overall defense.
The Steelers might not have many opportunities to score points versus Houston. Pittsburgh’s path to victory could be hitting one or two big plays downfield to Metcalf.
Rodgers and the Steelers will also badly need to score touchdowns when inside the red zone. The Steelers finished the regular season ranked 11th in red-zone touchdown percentage at 58.82%.
However, the team tallied touchdowns on just 22.2% of their red-zone possessions in its final three games. Metcalf’s absence hurt Pittsburgh in that area.
Metcalf’s speed and 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame greatly increases the team’s chances of achieving big plays and scoring touchdowns in the red zone against any opponent.
With Metcalf back, the Steelers have seven receivers on the 53-man active roster. To make room for Metcalf, the team waived cornerback Tre Flowers on Monday.
Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf Breaks Silence Following NFL Reinstatement From Suspension