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Is DK Metcalf out for the season? When is DK Metcalf coming back? The latest DK Metcalf injury update and fantasy football outlook heading into Week 17 of 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf isn't necessarily dealing with an injury. Instead, he was involved in an altercation with a fan of the Detroit Lions in his team's Week 16 win over that team.
Metcalf's antics didn't go unpunished by the NFL, and now he'll have to take some time away from the game to think about what he did. Additionally, it could have huge contract implications.
This is important for fantasy football managers. While Metcalf was mostly a disappointing pick, he still is quite important as a flex player and in deeper leagues. So will he be out for the rest of the season? Let's dive in.
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Is DK Metcalf Out for the 2025 Season?
Metcalf has been suspended for two games for the altercation. It was reported by some that a Lions fan was using a racial slur toward him, and had done so previously, but that hasn't been confirmed by video evidence.
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
Apparently, this fan has been targeting Metcalf for quite some time now, though there's no definitive proof of it. Metcalf losing his temper isn't unusual during games, but this is the first time he's had such an altercation with a fan during a game.
The NFL appears to be quite serious about prohibiting players from fighting with or contacting fans in such a manner during games, as a two-game suspension will end up costing Metcalf tens of millions of dollars. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reports that it could void his guarantees in the coming years.
The Steelers can now void $45 million in guarantees combined in 2026 and 2027 and avoid paying his salary for the rest of the season. That will add up to massive savings for them and a huge blow to Metcalf. On Tuesday, the league officially upheld the two-game suspension.
DK Metcalf 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook
There isn't much more outlook left for fantasy football regular-season contests. With the NFL recently upholding the suspension, Metcalf is officially set ot miss the final two games of the regular season.
Metcalf already had an up-and-down season, as tends to happen for receivers playing for the Steelers. Their offensive systems tend to hold back individual performances from pass-catchers while emphasizing the running back position.
Fantasy managers should keep this in mind going into 2026, and it's likely he'll slide quite far in redraft fantasy football leagues next year. Given Pittsburgh's inconsistent passing game, I would recommend letting Metcalf fall to you in a 12-team league, Round 8 or later.
DK METCALF MY GOODNESS
MIAvsPIT on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/GXEbzt3p4h— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2025
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Popular Week 17 Searches - Start/Sit Player Comparisons
Below are some popular Week 17 searches and comparisons from our 'Who To Start' tool for Calvin Austin III, Rico Dowdle, Emeka Egbuka, Colston Loveland, DJ Moore, Michael Carter, Audric Estime compared to others:
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