Overview
- Metcalf is serving a two-game NFL suspension for making contact with Detroit fan Ryan Kennedy, and he will sit out the Week 18 winner‑take‑all game against the Ravens.
- The Steelers fell 13–6 at Cleveland without Metcalf, and analysts including Tony Romo said his absence likely swung the game and constrains Pittsburgh’s offense.
- NextGenStats show markedly better production with Metcalf on the field, and he posted 148 yards in the earlier win at Baltimore, underscoring the impact of his loss.
- Jay Glazer reported Metcalf previously filed a 2024 security complaint about the same fan, while Kennedy denies using slurs and has held a news conference as the league imposed no further fan penalties.
- Metcalf forfeited about $555,556 in pay due to the suspension, the appeal was denied, and Mike Tomlin said he does not condone the actions yet supports the player.