D.K. Metcalf had by far his best game in the Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14 during a massive 27-22 win over the Ravens in Baltimore.
Metcalf put up a season-high in targets (12), receptions (7), and receiving yards (148). And it appears he managed to do it while working through a serious health issue.
Metcalf’s stomach pains didn’t start until the team got on their plane to fly back to Pittsburgh from Baltimore. And because of this—and out of “an abundance of caution” from the team—he ended up staying overnight in Baltimore hotel rather than flying home with the team, per Ian Rapoport.
"Steelers standout WR DK Metcalf stayed overnight in Baltimore hotel after going to a local hospital following the game, team spokesman @SteelersPRBurt confirmed. Metcalf was experiencing stomach pains on the flight and out of an abundance of caution, team medical personnel sent him to a nearby hospital. He's flying back to Pittsburgh today."
The fact that it was confirmed by Burt Lauten, who has served as the Steelers' Senior Director of Communications for the past 14 years, means that we can certainly trust the information.
Whether Metcalf was feeling those same pains during his big game remains unclear, however. Logic suggests that if he was experiencing stomach pains in the evening, he was likely dealing with at least a little something in the afternoon.
D.K. Metcalf had his best game in years despite stomach bug
And that makes what Metcalf did that much more impressive. His 12 targets were his most since September 2024, his seven receptions were his most since November of that year, and his 148 yards were his most since 2022. That yardage total actually represents the fourth-best game of Metcalf’s entire career.
He started off with a massive 52-yard catch down the sideline to get Pittsburgh on their way on their first drive. The way he exploded and screamed in elation after securing that one suggests Metcalf wasn’t feeling the bug just yet.
RODGERS TO DK FOR 55.
— NFL (@NFL) December 7, 2025
PITvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/bLKPYKWqQs
He also had grabs of 28 and 42 on the day as Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers reminded us of the chemistry that was much clearer early on in the season. It’s no coincidence that Rodgers had one of his best games of the year on the same day Metcalf put up season-highs as well.
With the big performance, Metcalf pushed his season totals to 52 receptions (t-41st) and 753 yards (22nd). His five receiving TDs are also tied for 22nd in the NFL through 13 games.
Thanks in large part to stomach bug-Metcalf, the Steelers earned a massive win to go to 7-6 and reclaim their spot atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh now controls its own destiny down the stretch with just four games remaining.