The Pittsburgh Steelers were a few feet from missing the playoffs.
But when Tyler Loop's potential game-winning field goal sailed wide right on Sunday night, that meant the Steelers were AFC North Division champs. They'll host the Houston Texans in the first round next weekend. And it also means DK Metcalf is back from suspension.
Metcalf's suspension for shoving a fan in Detroit was two games, and it was going to end Sunday night either way.
But in one scenario, a losing outcome, Metcalf's suspension would've ended with no chance to contribute to the remainder of this season. It would've been over.
Instead, Metcalf's suspension ends in time for him to return to the gameplan to try to overcome a fierce Texans defense.
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The Steelers' passing game looked lifeless in Week 17 without Metcalf, and for much of Sunday night, it looked like the same thing. It looked like the narrative would be that Metcalf's suspension was incredibly costly to everything the Steelers hoped to accomplish.
But then Aaron Rodgers came to life in the fourth quarter anyway, finally taking the lead on a great throw-and-catch to Calvin Austin.
A missed Chris Boswell extra point nearly ruined the party, but the Steelers got a kicking break in return, and their season will continue.
Metcalf will surely be asked plenty of questions about what happened, and about his time away, and about what he hopes to accomplish now that he's back.
That's all for the days ahead.
As far as Monday morning is concerned, the Steelers can just know this: They've got their superstar wide receiver back, just in time for the playoffs.
More NFL news:
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- Packers needed a literal tie-breaker to make the playoffs
- Harrison Smith nearly played QB before his retirement decision
- Myles Garrett's Browns teammate high-fived the ref after record
- Falcons would've gone to the playoffs if not for the New York Jets
- The Colts ran a fake punt on first down