DK Metcalf’s huge game against the Ravens turned sour following medical scare that prevented him from leaving on Steelers’ plane
DK Metcalf was kept at a Baltimore hospital overnight.
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally saw the full force of DK Metcalf against the Baltimore Ravens. It only took until Week 14, but the explosive plays (20 yards or more) came early and often for Metcalf, en route to his 148 receiving yards and seven receptions on 12 targets.
His huge day helped propel the Steelers to victory in a must-win game, taking the heat off Mike Tomlin (for now) and putting Pittsburgh back in the driver’s seat atop the AFC North. The celebration after the game was cut short, however, as Metcalf never made it back to Pittsburgh with the rest of his teammates.
DK Metcalf stays in Baltimore hospital overnight with stomach issues
“Steelers standout WR DK Metcalf stayed overnight in Baltimore hotel after going to a local hospital following the game, team spokesman Steelers PR rep Burt Lauten 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.
“Metcalf took a hard shot during the game and the goal was to rule out any significant internal injuries. It’s too early to tell how Metcalf’s status for the Steelers MNF game vs. the Dolphins will be affected. But the extra day helps.”
– Ian Rapoport, (via Instagram)
At first, it seemed like this might be a stomach issue related to food or illness, but the initial report was updated with details about a hit to the midsection, meaning we could be looking at an actual injury for arguably the best player on the Steelers’ offense. An offense that made massive changes in the WR corps this week after signing Adam Thielen and making Roman Wilson inactive.
The players will return to the practice field on Wednesday, but they also have an extra day of preparation this week, as the Miami Dolphins come to town on Monday night. Two teams holding on to their playoff chances, both go into the game as winners, and the Dolphins are red hot since the termination of former GM Chris Grier.
The bottom line: Metcalf will be needed to beat the Dolphins and keep the Steelers atop the AFC North. The Dolphins game and the Browns game are essentially must-wins when accounting for a road trip to take on the Detroit Lions and the season finale against the Ravens.