The NFL fined Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf $12,172 for unsportsmanlike conduct, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Saturday, after he was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s 35-25 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
With 10:14 left in the game, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was forced out of bounds after a five-yard gain. Metcalf then engaged in a brief altercation with Green Bay linebacker Quay Walker, ultimately putting his fingers in Walker’s facemask and grabbing it. The 15-yard penalty converted a manageable third-and-2 into a third-and-17, leading to a sack on quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a subsequent punt.
The oversight happened at a turning point, with Pittsburgh down by 10 points in the fourth quarter, adding to their difficulties in the second half, during which their defense allowed three consecutive touchdown drives.
The fine of $12,172 aligns with the NFL’s standard for a first offense involving striking, which can typically increase to $17,968 for subsequent violations in the same season. For context, only 10 fines were issued across 2,003 plays in Week 8, representing just 0.5% of all snaps.
Metcalf has accumulated over $170,000 in fines throughout his career, including a $22,511 penalty last year for illegal helmet use. This was his first fine of the season and the 15th of his career.
Setting aside the penalty, Metcalf had a productive game, charting five receptions for 55 yards and his fifth touchdown of the season. He currently leads the Steelers with 27 catches for 461 yards and five touchdowns.
Metcalf has become a top target for Aaron Rodgers since being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade involving Pittsburgh’s 2025 second- and seventh-round picks. The Steelers also signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract in March.
Pittsburgh, now 4-3, will face the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts at home in Week 9.
