Wide receiver Metcalf is available for Pittsburgh’s Wild Card game against the Houston Texans following a two-game suspension.
Why DK Metcalf’s return could matter more than you think for the Steelers
Few are giving the Pittsburgh Steelers much chance of winning what would be a record-breaking seventh Super Bowl in Santa Clara on Feb.8. However, ahead of their Wild Card playoff game against the Houston Texans on Monday, Jan. 12, their postseason hopes will be significantly boosted by the return of one man: DK Metcalf.
Steelers star back after suspension
As the Steelers’ star wide receiver, nobody will be surprised to hear Mike Tomlin is glad to have Metcalf available again following a two-game suspension, which he incurred after striking a fan during the win over the Detroit Lions in Week 16.
NFL is suspending DK Metcalf two games without pay for "physically confronting a Lions fan" during Sunday’s win at Detroit, per @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/B3UJz0d9nh
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 22, 2025
“I think he’s in a great place,” Tomlin said of Metcalf on Tuesday. “I know that he’s happy to be back, he’s happy to be in this tournament, and he’s ready to go to work.”
DK Metcalf’s impressive playoff record
The 28-year-old proved himself to be a man for the big occasion during his six-season run with the Seahawks from 2019 to 2024. Although Seattle appeared in only four playoff games during that stretch, winning one and losing three, Metcalf can hardly be blamed for their inability to go deep into the postseason.
On a personal level, the two-time Pro Bowl selection excelled whenever the lights were brightest. Across those four playoff games, Metcalf recorded 26 catches for 451 yards, along with five touchdowns.
The wide receiver scored two TDs in each of his last two postseason appearances, against the Rams in 2021 and the 49ers in 2023. In that matchup with San Francisco, Metcalf made an impressive 10 catches for 136 yards, marking his most impactful playoff performance to date.
Steelers hope postseason Metcalf shows up
Could he make the difference for the Steelers against the Texans, and perhaps even beyond that? Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will certainly be glad to have his top receiver back, and history suggests he can count on Metcalf to deliver if he is able to find him.
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