Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers Suffer Quadruple Punishment From NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 7:48 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers got blown out by the Buffalo Bills in their Week 13 showdown, with Aaron Rodgers unable to connect with his wide receivers for a touchdown. Only running back Jaylen Warren scored a TD for Pittsburgh, as the team lost, 26-7.

Rodgers threw for 117 yards and completed less than 50% of his passes (10-of-21). In the third quarter of the game, the 41-year-old quarterback was sacked by Joey Bosa and fumbled the ball, leading to a Bills touchdown.

As if the loss couldn't get any worse for the Steelers, the NFL added more to Mike Tomlin and his team's misery after it punished three Pittsburgh players for their actions during the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Wide receiver DK Metcalf was slapped with the biggest fine at $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct. The NFL deemed his "too small" celebration in the second quarter as a "violent gesture," resulting in the punishment.

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, meanwhile, was hit with an $11,593 fine for taunting. To recall, Heyward got into Josh Allen's face after the Bills QB threw a touchdown pass to Keon Coleman in the third quarter.

#Steelers WR DK Metcalf was fined $14,491 for a "violent gesture" against the #Bills last week.

Apparently, hitting Christian Benford with the "too small" celebration constituted violence.https://t.co/9YNRu8Nmni pic.twitter.com/aDqDIBoGhE
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) December 6, 2025

Linebacker Payton Wilson, meanwhile, was hit with two fines for unnecessary roughness. In the second quarter, he committed a block after the whistle, while he delivered a blindside block in the third — both incidents happening on kickoff returns. Wilson was fined $7,066 for each violation, totaling $14,132.

It remains to be seen if Metcalf, Heyward and Wilson will appeal the punishments. Nonetheless, they really need to be more careful with their actions since repeated violations come with bigger fines.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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