Receiver DK Metcalf returned to the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room this week after serving a two-game suspension that kept him out of the final regular season games. Metcalf described his teammates as supportive during his absence. “They were very supportive,” said Metcalf. “Mainly, it’s going to take a lot to call everybody out, but a lot of people reached out to me on more than just one occasion.
“So, it just really showed the type of people that we have in this locker room number one, and how they view me as a player and a teammate.”
Metcalf expressed enthusiasm for being back as the team prepares for its Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. “It feels great, especially, we get to play another game,” said Metcalf. “My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back, so just a big shout out to them.”
He added that he missed being with his teammates and participating in weekly preparations. “I’m excited as (heck) to be back in the building, around my teammates, being in meetings, going to practice,” said Metcalf. “All the things that encompass a week of preparation.”
Metcalf watched Sunday night’s Steelers-Ravens game at home alone due to anxiety and preference for solitude during games. “Roller coaster,” said Metcalf. “I couldn’t watch some moments because of my anxiety. I get too high.
“But just happy my teammates got the dub.” He explained his decision: “I don’t like talking to people during the game,” said Metcalf. “I don’t like talking.” When Calvin Austin III caught what would be the winning touchdown pass, Metcalf was ready to return immediately: “I jumped up, put on my clothes,” said Metcalf. “And I was headed to the stadium.”
During his suspension period, Metcalf continued working out thanks to league permission and spent time with family over Christmas. He did not discuss details behind his suspension but took responsibility for his actions: “I feel full responsibility for my actions and that’s it,” said Metcalf. “I’ve got the most respect and confidence in my teammates still going out there and performing to the best of their abilities.”
With Metcalf’s return, he believes the offense can continue recent progress: “We were definitely starting to hit our stride as an offense,” said Metcalf. “I think we found our groove and hoping we can pick that back up.
“It’s just about executing as a whole. So, I think last night in the second half showed a lot of execution on everybody’s part.”
The Steelers defense entered their win over Baltimore fully healthy for one of few times this season—a factor linebacker Jack Sawyer noted made an impact: “It felt great,” said Sawyer. “It was a back-and-forth battle, just like it always is when we play them… And now it’s a completely new season, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Sawyer also mentioned kicker Tyler Loop’s missed field goal sealed Pittsburgh’s playoff spot: “That kicker, he’s had a great year too,” Sawyer commented.
Looking ahead at facing Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud—Sawyer’s former college teammate—he stated: “I love C.J….he wants to win…when you’re going up against a guy like that you’ve got throw everything at him.”
The defense expects T.J. Watt available again after missing three weeks with injury; Watt secured an interception against Baltimore on Sunday night.
“He has been one of the best to do it for a very long time,” Sawyer said about Watt.
Monday’s playoff game will feature two top defenses according to Sawyer: “They’ve got a great defense…and I think that we’ve got a great defense too.”
Veteran defensive tackle Cameron Heyward played through pain after being hit early by teammate James Pierre during Sunday’s game but returned quickly—a moment noticed by younger lineman Keeanu Benton: “That just shows his resiliency and his want-to and will…at his age.” Benton tied Heyward with seven tackles in that contest.
Benton credited Heyward’s leadership both in practice and games: “That’s why you see me doing it now,” Benton explained regarding effort chasing downfield plays.
Statistically over their past four games before playoffs began Monday night against Houston—the Steelers allowed 19 points per game (compared with 24 earlier), 317 yards (down from 369), and 3.7 yards per carry (from 4.4).
“Go back to resilience,” Benton added regarding team mindset late in games.
The upcoming Wild Card contest marks Pittsburgh’s first postseason meeting with Houston; historically they hold five wins against three losses versus Houston overall (3-1 at home). The victory over Baltimore secured Pittsburgh’s AFC North title—their tenth since realignment in 2002—and marked head coach Mike Tomlin’s eighth division championship since joining Pittsburgh in 2007.
Tomlin also tied Chuck Noll with 193 regular season wins—the most in franchise history—and matched Noll for ninth place all-time among NFL coaches by regular season victories.
The team also announced roster changes Monday by waiving cornerback Tre Flowers who joined on Christmas Day but previously played with Detroit Lions earlier this year.
For fans interested in team legacy or history—including six Super Bowl championships—the organization highlights contributions through its Hall of Honor inductees such as Terry Bradshaw or Joe Greene (source), its museum at Acrisure Stadium, fan engagement initiatives (source), community outreach efforts (source), historical exhibits (source), six Super Bowl titles (source), induction traditions (source), professional status within NFL membership (source), headquarters location at Acrisure Stadium (source)—and its founding by Arthur J Rooney Sr., who established Pittsburgh’s pro football franchise legacy beginning in 1933 (source).
