The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without one of their top playmakers next week when they take on the Browns. At the very least, he’s likely to face a hefty fine. Shortly before the end of the first half against in Detroit, top Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf appeared to get into an altercation with a Lions fan sitting in the first row in one of the end zones, taking a swipe at them in the process.
According to the broadcast, this fan held up a Pittsburgh No. 4 jersey (which is Metcalf’s number) and said something to Metcalf. At that point, the fiery receiver stopped and exchanged words with the fan, eventually taking a swing at their head.
This sort of action would typically result in an ejection, had the officials noticed it. They did not, which is good for Pittsburgh, since Metcalf remained in the game. As of this writing, Metcalf has two catches for 17 yards. On the season, he has 55 receptions for 808 yards and six touchdowns heading into Week 16 action. It’s Metcalf’s first season with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf is No Stranger to Fines
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on field against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Metcalf is no stranger to on-field (or off-field) altercations and fines. This will likely be the third time just this season he’s been faced with a fine for in-game penalties and actions. Back in Week 8, Metcalf faced a $12,172 fine for an unnecessary roughness penalty of the tripping/kicking variety in the fourth quarter against the Packers. In Week 13, Metcalf was slapped with a $14,491 fine for an unsportsmanlike conduct foul for a violent gesture, in the second quarter against the Bills.
It would be a stretch to say that Metcalf has a violent reputation, but he is known for playing with a physical edge and having a quick temper. Naturally, that leads to a few flags when things get out of hand, but it’s an attitude that’s served Metcalf well during his NFL career. He had a lot of success with the Seahawks playing like this, and he quickly became future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite target in Pittsburgh due in part to his competitive edge.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are in Great Playoff Position
As of this writing, the Steelers are locked in a dogfight with the Lions in Detroit, though they have a two-point lead. Even if this result doesn’t hold and Pittsburgh ends up losing, they are in an enviable playoff position with two games to go.
To close the season, the Steelers have two more divisional games to go: on the road against the Browns, then at home against the Ravens. Pittsburgh already topped Baltimore once back in Week 14, and sweeping the series would all but guarantee them the division.
But there’s a chance they can lock up a playoff spot even sooner. Should the Steelers hold on against the Lions and then beat the Browns, and if the Ravens then lose to the Patriots or the Packers before their rematch, the Steelers will go back to playoffs regardless of how that second meeting plays out.
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