During a key matchup between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, DK Metcalf gave the NFL an incident to settle.
The Steelers' star receiver, in his first year with the team as it pursues the AFC North title, was seen swiping at a Lions fan in the stands as he stood on Pittsburgh's sideline at Ford Field.
Because officials didn't see the interaction, which was caught by the CBS broadcast, Metcalf wasn't disciplined in the game — but he's almost undoubtedly sure to be hearing from the NFL in the coming days, receiving a punishment for the incident.
Will the NFL suspend Metcalf? Here's the latest after the Steelers star was seen hitting a Lions fan in Week 16.
MORE NFL WEEK 16:
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- Quinshon Judkins out for season after gruesome leg injury vs. Bills
Will the NFL suspend D.K. Metcalf?
The NFL has not yet announced official discipline for Metcalf, but some level of punishment can be expected.
Metcalf was not disciplined by the officials for Steelers vs. Lions his interaction with a Lions fan on the sideline. However, that was because the referees did not see the interaction — discipline for Metcalf is extremely likely, as the NFL typically takes negative player-fan interactions seriously.
Metcalf appeared to be the one who initiated the physical contact with the fan. That means his situation is unlike that of Lamar Jackson's earlier in 2025, when the Baltimore Ravens quarterback pushed a Bills fan who had slapped his teammates' helmet. In that instance, the NFL did not punish Jackson, as the fan was banned from NFL stadiums and the matter was "addressed by the club," per ESPN.
When a player initiates the physical interaction with a fan, it's a different story for the league. Expect Metcalf to either receive a suspension or a hefty fine for his interaction with a Lions fan on Sunday.
A one-game suspension for Metcalf would cost him $277,777 for his game check, per Jonathan Jones.
MORE: What to know about the NFL's personal conduct policy
DK Metcalf-Lions fan video
Here's the moment Metcalf was seen hitting a Lions fan in Sunday's game.
CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson said the fan said something to Metcalf before he swiped at him.
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
MORE: What to know about DK Metcalf getting physical with a spectator