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NFL Drops The Hammer On DK Metcalf With Massive Punishment For Punching Lions Fan

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

DK Metcalf.
DK Metcalf (Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images)

DK Metcalf’s physical altercation with a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday has, predictably, led to severe punishment from the NFL.

For those who missed it, DK Metcalf was involved in an incident with a Lions fan in the second quarter of Sunday’s game. The Pittsburgh Steelers star, apparently upset with something said to him, punched the fan in the head before walking away.

And now, Metcalf will have to wait until the postseason to play again. Assuming the Steelers get there.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, DK Metcalf has been suspended two games for punching the Lions fan. Metcalf can appeal, but is currently slated to miss Pittsburgh’s final two regular-season games.

Schefter added that Metcalf’s actions violated the league policy that outlines “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.”

Pittsburgh visits the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. They’ll wrap up the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens.

Steelers Other WRs Must Step Up Without DK Metcalf

DK Metcalf in Steelers gear
DK Metcalf (Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images)

Metcalf is Pittsburgh’s leading receiver this season with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns. Running back Kenneth Gainwell is second with 410 receiving yards. No other Pittsburgh player has exceeded 400 yards.

So yes, Pittsburgh needs its other wideouts to step up and produce while Metcalf is suspended. They’re only one win away from locking up their first division title in five years, after all.

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