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Steelers WR DK Metcalf Awaiting Punishment Decision After Bills Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 30, 2025 5:59 PM ET

DK Metcalf and the Pittsburgh Steelers looked to avoid a two-game losing streak in Week 13 as they hosted Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon. The Steelers entered the matchup coming off a disappointing 31-28 Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, which dropped them to 6-5 on the 2025 season.

With 8:09 remaining in the second quarter against the Bills, running back Jaylen Warren rushed up the middle for a one-yard touchdown, giving Pittsburgh a 7-0 lead. After the play, Metcalf celebrated by flashing the “too short” gesture toward Buffalo cornerback Christian Benford, whom he had been battling with earlier in the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) reacts after a touchdown.Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Sure enough, the officials caught Metcalf’s slight taunt and threw a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct, which was enforced between downs. And with his gesture toward Benford, Metcalf could have a hefty fine coming his way.

In the NFL, players can be fined up to $14,491 for a first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, which can increase to $20,288 upon a second offense. Through 12 weeks of the 2025 season, the league has issued eight fines for unsportsmanlike conduct totaling $704,351, including Metcalf's teammate Jalen Ramsey ($14,491).

This would not be the first time Metcalf has been fined this season, either. After the Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers, Metcalf was fined $12,172 for fighting. In his seven-year career, the former Ole Miss wideout has been fined 15 times for a total of $219,215.

"TOUCHDOWN. Jaylen Warren rushes in for a 1-yard score," wrote Locked On Steelers host Christopher Carter on X. "#Steelers on the board. DK Metcalf tagged with an unsportsmanlike for doing the 'you're too short' thing to Christian Benford. Penalty on kickoff. PAT Good."

TOUCHDOWN. Jaylen Warren rushes in for a 1-yard score. #Steelers on the board.

DK Metcalf tagged with an unsportsmanlike for doing the "you're too short" thing to Christian Benford. Penalty on kickoff. PAT Good.

Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:23.

Steelers 7, Bills 0. 8:09, Q2.
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) November 30, 2025