Steelers insider sends DK Metcalf warning to Texans after suspension

The NFL suspended Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf for two games after Metcalf was involved in an altercation with a fan during the Steelers' Week 16 win at the Detroit Lions in late December.

Metcalf is on track to return to the Pittsburgh lineup when the 10-7 Steelers host the 12-5 Houston Texans for a wild-card playoff matchup. During a Wednesday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette offered somewhat of a warning to the Texans regarding Metcalf's intentions.

Could motivated DK Metcalf torch Texans?

"He said he was surprised that [the suspension] wasn't reduced to one game," Fittipaldo said about Metcalf, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "So yeah, I think he's gonna go in with a little bit of an edge here. And what better stage to go out and have a big game and kind of throw it back in the face of (NFL commissioner) Roger Goodell and whoever else in New York made that decision? I think we're gonna see a motivated DK Metcalf, but more importantly, his presence just lets everything fall back into place for the rest of that receiving corps."

ESPN stats show that Metcalf ended the regular season leading the Steelers with 850 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns and 99 targets. He was second on the club with 59 receptions. 

Meanwhile, the Steelers' offense left much to be desired during Pittsburgh's Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. This past Sunday, Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 31-of-47 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Baltimore Ravens that sent Pittsburgh to the playoffs. 

Could DK Metcalf absences be a blessing in disguise for Steelers?

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin hinted that the Steelers having to win without Metcalf in Week 18 could benefit them regarding their game against the Texans. 

"I think we all grow as strategists," Tomlin explained, according to Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "I think as a collective, a coaching staff, when you're faced with adversity, it's important that you pivot." 

As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Steelers as three-point home underdogs against the Texans. Perhaps that line will give Metcalf and Co. even more motivation to produce a massive offensive performance under the lights at Acrisure Stadium.