
The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base was relieved to see superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf get going early and often against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. The team made a significant investment in Metcalf during the 2025 offseason, and after the last few games, he hadn’t quite lived up to expectations.
On Sunday, however, Metcalf was targeted 12 times and hauled in seven catches for 148 receiving yards, delivering a massive performance that helped quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers get back in the win column. It was the kind of game that reminded fans why Pittsburgh went all-in on Metcalf this offseason.
Aside from his offensive production, Metcalf earned every penny of his contract late in the game when he was playing gunner.
On the final punt return, @dkm14 took on two Ravens players at gunner for a crucial flip in field position @Steelers pic.twitter.com/Lw7Yql57Dg
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2025
Despite his on-field success, it was revealed Monday morning by Steelers insider Brooke Pryor that Metcalf actually had to stay behind in Baltimore after the game. According to team sources, Metcalf experienced stomach pains after the team boarded the plane. The Steelers’ medical staff immediately sent him to a local hospital as a precaution to ensure his safety.
DK Metcalf stayed in Baltimore overnight after experiencing stomach pains after the team boarded the plane, @SteelersPRBurt said. Team docs sent him to a local hospital to be safe.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 8, 2025
He got checked out, stayed in the city overnight and is scheduled to return to PGH today.
Metcalf was thoroughly checked out and remained in Baltimore overnight. He is scheduled to return to Pittsburgh Monday, and the team expects no lingering issues. While the health scare was minor, it added a surprising twist to an otherwise celebratory day for the Steelers.
The noise in the Steel City has reached a fever pitch, as the fan base had grown increasingly frustrated with Mike Tomlin’s midseason collapses. Every loss felt like déjà vu, and the tension in Pittsburgh stadiums and living rooms was almost tangible. That made the 27-22 Week 14 win over the Ravens feel like a release valve.
While the victory certainly soothes some nerves, it does not erase the reality that the Steelers were dangerously close to imploding down the stretch, leaving fans wondering how many more scares they could endure.
Still, a win is a win in the NFL, and Steelers fans are eager to cling to any reason for optimism. Metcalf’s performance provided exactly that. He reminded everyone why Pittsburgh invested heavily in him during the offseason. Beyond the stats, the sight of Metcalf playing hard and making big plays was a reassuring sign that the team can still rally when it matters most. Knowing that he is healthy and okay adds an extra layer of relief to an already thrilling Sunday.
For now, the focus can shift from panic to celebration, at least until the next game when Pittsburgh will once again be tested and the fans will once again be watching with bated breath. Steeler Nation will shift its attention to Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium on Monday night.
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