Report: League source details expectation for Steelers' DK Metcalf's punishment after fan altercation

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk made it a point to discuss the matter with a league source. According to the insider, the current expectation is not Metcalf missing a game, but being heavily fined.

"Per a league source, the NFL will turn its attention tomorrow to the contact in which receiver DK Metcalf engaged with a fan during the first half of the Week 16 game," Florio wrote. "As the source explained it, precedent for incidents of this nature points to a fine. Once the league takes a closer look at the video and considers the relevant factors, however, a stronger punishment could be imposed on Metcalf."

This was a blatant punch being thrown by Metcalf and was very easily caught on camera. In an effort to truly shut down any ideas that players may get in the future, the NFL may decide to make a strong example out of the wide receiver and suspend him for at least one week without pay. When you make over $30 million per year, that's a pretty hefty price tag to pay.

Fans will know what Metcalf's near future holds at some point on Monday most likely. The league will not wait to discipline the pass-catcher for his actions. The matchup against the Browns could absolutely be to win the AFC North division. Not having Metcalf would be a big loss for a team that is finally finding its way offensively.

There is no doubt that Metcalf's actions are indefensible. The Steelers as a whole will denounce the punch and make sure to use it as a teaching moment for the entire roster. Overall, it was a moment of weakness for the wide receiver, and he will have to learn from what he did in Detroit on Sunday. Per Florio, however, he may not have to forfeit an entire game check.

Lamar Jackson made contact with a fan in Week 1 and wasn't even disciplined. A punch is different, but there is already a little bit of precedent for something like this happening.

Steelers' DK Metcalf won't be allowed near the stands anytime soon

It won't matter what the eventual decision by the league ends up being. One thing that is for sure is that Metcalf will be talked to about wandering towards fans in any venue. No matter what was said by the individual, players are expected to remain near their benches and not get involved with citizens watching games. This situation will possibly set a new standard for the NFL and how it views incidents such as this.