Pittsburgh Steelers: DK Metcalf Will Learn If Altercation With Fan Leads to Punishment
After escaping Detroit with an important win, the Steelers are waiting to hear if DK Metcalf will escape punishment for an altercation with a fan during the game.
Multiple camera angles captured Metcalf walking over to the stands, grabbing the fan, and forcibly shoving him away during Pittsburgh's 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions. Metcalf walked back to Pittsburgh's bench and continued to play, but the NFL is reviewing the incident for possible discipline, via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
If suspended for two or more games, Metcalf would miss the Week 18 matchup against the Ravens, which could be for a playoff spot.
According to Pelissero, Metcalf reported the same fan to security last season when he was playing with the Seattle Seahawks.
While the incident made headlines, the Steelers (9-6) moved a step closer to capturing the AFC North and eliminating the Ravens with a victory that ended in wild fashion. The Lions were called for two offensive pass interference penalties during the final 25 seconds, both of which wiped out potential game-winning scores.
After the game, referee Carl Cheffers explained both calls in detail to a pool reporter.
The Steelers (9-6) have won three straight and guaranteed their 19th consecutive non-losing season under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. They will visit the Cleveland Browns (3-12) in Week 17 with a chance to claim the AFC North crown.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor Will Reportedly Return Next Season
Cincinnati rolled past the Miami Dolphins, 45-21, on Sunday, as Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes. However, the Bengals (5-10) face major decisions after failing to make the playoffs for the third straight season.
Pelissero reported that the Bengals are expected to retain Head Coach Zac Taylor next season, who is under contract through 2027.
"There are no signs that the Bengals are planning to make major changes," Pelissero said on "The Insiders." "All indications are right now that Taylor should return. Burrow's injuries have been a driving force in the recent struggles. They were 1-8 without him this season. Bengals owner Mike Brown is a believer in Taylor, who has taken them to a Super Bowl. Historically, Brown has not liked to pay coaches not to coach."
Burrow sounded like he was in a better place mentally following Sunday's win.
"I'm having fun playing football," Burrow said via Ben Baby. "Not playing football is not fun. Sitting in the locker room rehabbing all day, that's not why you do it. This is why you do it right here."
The Bengals will host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.
Cleveland Browns: Rookie Running Back Quinshon Judkins Lost for Season
Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins will have surgery after suffering a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski had high praise for Judkins, who emerged this season as Cleveland's No. 1 back (827 yards rushing).
"Q's been incredible," Stefanski said via Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com. "Great teammate, runs hard, cares about this game, cares about the right things. So, I'm disappointed for him. He's disappointed, but he's not somebody that I worry about. He'll bounce back."
Meanwhile, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was credited with a half-sack on Josh Allen during the loss. That leaves Garrett (22 sacks) one sack away from breaking the single-season record of 22.5 shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
