Texans' DeMeco Ryans knows what return of WR DK Metcalf means for Steelers offense

A Pittsburgh Steelers insider recently warned that wide receiver DK Metcalf will be motivated to have a massive outing during the upcoming "Monday Night Football" wild-card playoff game versus the Houston Texans after Metcalf missed Pittsburgh's final two contests of the regular season while serving a suspension.

On Thursday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans made it clear he knows what Metcalf can do while playing alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

Texans know they'll get a physical DK Metcalf

"Metcalf gives them their full offense," Ryans said while speaking about the Steelers, per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website. "He lines up as an outside receiver. He does an outstanding job of playing physical. That's the one thing that sticks out to me with him, is that he's a physical receiver, whether he's running the go ball, slants, whatever. He plays physical. So, we have to challenge him. We have to step up to the challenge there. We have to play physical versus him as well."

The NFL suspended Metcalf after he was involved in an altercation with a fan during the Steelers' Week 16 win at the Detroit Lions. He later noted he was surprised the ban wasn't at least reduced to a single game.  

"It's going to be a tough challenge," Ryans added during his comments about Metcalf. "He's done a great job his entire career of making big plays down the field. I know they're excited to get him back because he's such a huge part of their offense. Aaron will definitely look to go to him a ton. We have our hands full when it comes to challenging him and trying to make a play when the ball is up."

According to ESPN stats, Metcalf enters the playoffs leading the Steelers with 850 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns and 99 targets on the season. He is second on the team with 59 receptions. 

Texans not expecting a one-man show vs. Steelers

As shared by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin suggested earlier in the week that his team having to earn a Week 18 win without Metcalf to make the playoffs could prove to be a blessing in disguise. Ryans is well aware that he has to worry about more than just Rodgers-to-Metcalf plays on Monday night. 

"They've done a really great job of balancing and mixing it up," Ryans said about the Steelers' offense. "They also mix in some of the things that Aaron has always done well in his career. When you spread the formations out, he can see the defense, and he can pick and choose where he wants to go with the football. That's always been an element of Aaron and what he's capable of doing."

As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Texans as three-point road favorites over the Steelers.