Pittsburgh WR DK Metcalf relieved to be in the playoffs after Steelers rally during his suspension

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf returned to work on Monday, relieved that his team's season is still alive following his two-game suspension for making contact with a fan in Detroit last month.

The Steelers won the AFC North with a heart-stopping 26-24 win over Baltimore on Sunday night. Metcalf watched from afar, riding the “roller coaster” during a back-and-forth affair that had four fourth-quarter lead changes. Pittsburgh won the division title when Baltimore kicker Tyler Loop's potential game-winning kick drifted wide right, setting up a meeting with fifth-seeded Houston (12-5) next Monday at Acrisure Stadium.

“My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back,” Metcalf said. "So just big shout out to them."

Metcalf declined to get into specifics about what led to his exchange with Ryan Kennedy during the first half of Pittsburgh's victory at Detroit on Dec. 21. Metcalf approached the stands and had a brief exchange with Kennedy that ended with Metcalf taking a swipe at the blue wig-wearing Kennedy.

The league suspended Metcalf for two games, a decision that was held up on appeal, which Metcalf said surprised him, though he did not elaborate on why.

“I can't say nothing about it,” Metcalf said.

The Steelers offense stumbled in a loss to Cleveland on Dec. 28 that would have wrapped up the AFC North with a week to go. It took a chaotic fourth quarter during the 272nd and final game of the NFL's regular season for Pittsburgh to advance.

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers passed for a season-high 294 yards in the win, the last 26 coming on a pass to a wide-open Calvin Austin III.

While Metcalf said he takes “full responsibility” for his actions he also didn't think his absence would prevent the team from securing a playoff berth. To think that way would be disrespectful.

“I’ve got the utmost respect and confidence in my teammates for still going out there and performing to the best of their abilities,” Metcalf said.

Now the Steelers (10-7) head into the postseason with a bit of momentum. Pittsburgh has won four of five since a midyear swoon. Rodgers averaged 258 yards passing with four touchdowns and no picks in the past three games with Metcalf in the lineup.

“We were definitely starting to hit our stride as an offense,” Metcalf said. “I think we found our groove and hoping we can pick that back up.”

The Steelers will have to try to do it against the NFL's top-ranked defense. Houston (12-5) has won nine straight since a 3-5 start.

“Just looking forward to another great matchup against some NFL-caliber players,” Metcalf said. “They got some great edge rushers. They’re one of the top defenses in the league, so looking forward for that challenge.”

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