The Pittsburgh Steelers got a bit of a scare following their gritty 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens, but head coach Mike Tomlin delivered some reassuring news on Tuesday: star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is expected to suit up for the team’s pivotal Week 15 clash against the Miami Dolphins.
Metcalf, who torched the Ravens secondary for seven catches and 148 yards, ended his night not in celebration, but in a Baltimore hospital due to stomach pain. It turns out he took a shot to the abdomen during the game - something that didn’t raise major red flags at the time but worsened postgame. According to Tomlin, the medical staff gave Metcalf some basic in-game remedies, but when the discomfort lingered, they opted for caution and sent him for evaluation.
“He's moving in the right direction,” Tomlin said. “I don't think it's going to jeopardize his availability at all, but it certainly may jeopardize his availability at the early portions of the week from a practice standpoint.”
The Steelers' decision to keep Metcalf grounded in Baltimore overnight wasn’t just precautionary - it was smart. As Tomlin explained, they didn’t want to put him on a flight without fully understanding what he was dealing with. The medical team acted quickly and effectively, and the early signs point to Metcalf being ready when it matters most: Sunday.
And make no mistake - this game matters. A lot.
Pittsburgh enters Week 15 clinging to a narrow lead over the Ravens in a tight AFC North race. Every game from here on out could swing the division, and a loss to Miami could knock the Steelers from the top spot.
On the other side, the Dolphins are fighting for their playoff lives. After a brutal 2-7 start, they’ve rattled off four straight wins to climb to 6-7.
One more loss, though, and their postseason hopes could be all but extinguished.
That’s the kind of high-stakes football December is made for - two teams with everything to play for, and now it looks like the Steelers will have their top weapon on the field.
Metcalf’s presence changes the dynamic. His size, speed, and physicality open up the offense in ways few receivers in the league can. Against Baltimore, he was a matchup nightmare, and if he’s anywhere near full strength this weekend, Miami’s secondary will have its hands full.
It’s a big-time game with playoff implications on both sidelines, and having Metcalf available gives the Steelers a major boost as they prepare for a Dolphins team that’s found its rhythm at just the right time.
The Steelers dodged a bullet with Metcalf. Now they’ll look to capitalize on that good fortune in a game that could define their season.