Metcalf is a mid-round pick who should go off the board in Round 7 or later after averaging a disappointing 12.5 PPR Fantasy points per game last season. Metcalf earned only 99 targets in 15 games, and with the Steelers trading for Michael Pittman, targets could still be difficult to come by. His target per-route run rate has been below 22% in three straight seasons. Unless that bounces back, you can forget about Metcalf being an elite Fantasy option again. He also may not be a great fit for Aaron Rodgers, who likes to get rid of the ball quickly and isn't the deep ball thrower he once was. The good news: Metcalf's early average draft position is the lowest it has been since his 2019 rookie season, so you no longer have to reach for him and can draft him as your WR3 or WR4. He probably doesn't offer league-winning upside, but he could be a good flex in Fantasy lineups.
Fantasy Stats
receiving
rushing
fantasy
Year
rec
Receptions
yds
Receiving Yards
avg
Average Yards per Reception
td
Receiving Touchdowns
yds
Rushing Yards
avg
Average Yards per Rush
fpts
Fantasy Points
fpts/g
Fantasy Points per Game
2026
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2025
59
850
14.41
6
12
6.00
122
8.1
2024
66
992
15.03
5
—
0.00
116
7.7
3y Avg.
64
985
15.39
6
4
4.00
124
8.3
Fantasy News
Steelers' DK Metcalf: Expected to be ready for Week 1
Rotowire
Metcalf (undisclosed) is expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Falcons, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Metcalf has dealt with an undisclosed injury for much of training camp, but he returned to practice last week and is expected to be ready when the games count. He'll be looking for a bounce-back 2026 season after he produced just 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns across 15 regular-season contests last season, his first season with the Steelers. Metcalf is facing added competition for targets in the form of Michael Pittman (hamstring), who also is expected to be ready for the Week 1 opener.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Agrees to restructured contract
Rotowire
Metcalf (undisclosed) has agreed to a restructured contract with the Steelers, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million contract with the Steelers in March of 2025, and the revamp of the deal coverts a portion of his base salary into a signing bonus while opening up "nearly $18 million" in 2026 cap space for Pittsburgh. Metcalf has been slowed by an unspecified injury during training camp, but he practiced Monday and will be aiming to bounce back after finishing with a career-low 850 receiving yards over 15 regular-season games in 2025.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Returns to practice Monday
Rotowire
Metcalf (undisclosed) returned to practice Monday after having been sidelined since Aug. 8, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
Monday was a notable day for the Steelers with both Metcalf and Michael Pittman (ankle) getting back on the field. Metcalf appears to have put his multi-week absence behind him and will have time to ramp back up before the season starts Sunday, Sept.13 against the Falcons.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Not in uniform for preseason opener
Rotowire
Metcalf (undisclosed) isn't in uniform for Thursday's preseason opener against the Packers, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
The same applies to fellow WR Michael Pittman (leg), with Steelers playing it safe with their top two wideouts, as they've been managing injuries of late. Metcalf's next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 21 against the Jets, and his absence, along with Pittman's on Thursday, will open up opportunities for those competing for depth-chart slotting and/or roster spots to see added snaps versus Green Bay.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Will move around formation more
Rotowire
Coach Mike McCarthy said Tuesday that the Steelers will move Metcalf around the formation more in 2026, Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com reports.
Metcalf played just over 14 percent of his offensive snaps out of the slot last regular season, so perhaps the new coaching staff in Pittsburgh has a plan to get him more looks inside, which would translate to easier "layup" style catches and allow Metcalf to make plays with the ball in his hands. "We need him going," McCarthy said. "DK can change games." In his first season with Pittsburgh in 2025, Metcalf recorded a career-low 850 receiving yards on 59 catches across 15 regular-season contests. Headed into his second season with Aaron Rodgers, both players will aim for improved chemistry.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Back for Year 2 with Steelers
Rotowire
As the 2026 season approaches, Metcalf is set to remain featured in a Pittsburgh WR corps that also includes trade acquisition Michael Pittman and 2026 second-rounder Germie Bernard, Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan Pittsburgh reports.
Beyond the aforementioned trio, Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek and Kaden Wetjen are in line to compete for depth-chart slotting this summer, while Kaboly suggests it's still possible the Steelers could add a veteran WR at some point during training camp. In any case, on the heels of a 2025 regular season in which he recorded 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns on 99 targets to go with two carries for 12 yards and another score in 15 contests, Metcalf will continue to be a key target for returning QB Aaron Rodgers, who will be reunited with head coach Mike McCarthy, in the wake of Mike Tomlin's decision to step away from the team in January. With added competition for targets on board, however, Metcalf's fantasy ceiling in 2026 hinges largely on how Pittsburgh's passing game, still helmed by its 42-year-old signal caller, progresses under the guidance of McCarthy.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Back from suspension
Rotowire
Metcalf will return to action for the Steelers' Jan. 12 wild-card matchup with the Texans after his two-game suspension was lifted Monday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Metcalf was handed the two-game ban following the Steelers' Week 16 win in Detroit after the NFL determined that he initiated a physical confrontation with a fan during that contest. Without their top wideout over the final two games of the regular season, the Steelers lost to the Browns in Week 17 but were able to punch their ticket to the postseason by claiming the AFC North crown with a 26-24 win over the Ravens on Sunday. Though the Steelers face a daunting matchup in the wild-card round against a staunch Texans defense, the return of Metcalf will at least give Pittsburgh a much-needed downfield threat on the perimeter. Over his 15 appearances during the regular season, Metcalf recorded 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns on 99 targets to go with two carries for 12 yards and another score.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Makes sixth TD grab this season
Rotowire
Metcalf corralled all three of his targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in a 28-15 win over Miami on Monday.
Metcalf managed to finish as the Steelers' leading receiver despite registering his lowest target count to date in 2025. The physical wideout squeezed all the juice out of his limited opportunities by scoring his sixth touchdown of the season on his third and final reception of the evening. After being held to a 18-144-0 receiving line in Weeks 9-13, Metcalf has quickly racked up a 203 yards over his last two starts. A favorable matchup against the Lions' depleted secondary is on tap for Metcalf and Pittsburgh in Week 16.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Likely on track to play Monday
Rotowire
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he doesn't expect Metcalf's (stomach) availability for the team's Week 15 game against the Dolphins to be in any peril, though the wideout's practice reps could be affected, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.
Following a stellar outing in the Steelers' Week 14 win over the Ravens in which he caught seven of 12 targets for a season-high 148 receiving yards, Metcalf was admitted to a Baltimore-area hospital when he reported stomach pain on the team flight. Metcalf's stomach discomfort appeared to stem from a hard shot he took during Sunday's game, but a significant internal injury was seemingly ruled out following his hospital stay. Tomlin intimated that Metcalf will open Week 15 prep as a limited participant, but the early expectation is that he'll be cleared to handle his usual duties as the Steelers' No. 1 receiver by the time Monday's game arrives.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Best showing as Steeler
Rotowire
Metcalf recorded seven receptions on 12 targets for 148 yards in Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens.
Metcalf entered Sunday's game having failed to top 55 yards in seven consecutive games while logging only two receptions of at least 20 yards in that span. That changed quickly in the pivotal divisional matchup, as he nabbed a 52-yard reception on the Steelers' opening possession while logging three catches of at least 20 yards overall. Metcalf was able to log his first 100-yard performance since Week 4 as a result while also logging his highest reception and yardage total of the campaign. Given his track record this season, Metcalf remains difficult to trust, though he does enter a fairly favorable Week 15 matchup against the Dolphins.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: WRs to Sit
Rotowire
Metcalf had another disappointing game in Week 13 against Buffalo with three catches for 32 yards on five targets, and he's now scored 9.9 PPR points or less in four of his past five games. He's also gone four games in a row without a receiving touchdown, and he has fewer than 50 receiving yards in each game over that span. The Ravens are actually a favorable matchup since Baltimore is No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but Metcalf is only worth using as a low-end starting option in three-receiver leagues.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Rotowire
Metcalf had another disappointing game in Week 13 against Buffalo with three catches for 32 yards on five targets, and he's now scored 9.9 PPR points or less in four of his past five games. He's also gone four games in a row without a receiving touchdown, and he has fewer than 50 receiving yards in each game over that span. The Ravens are actually a favorable matchup since Baltimore is No. 10 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but Metcalf is only worth using as a low-end starting option in three-receiver leagues.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: No restrictions at practice
Rotowire
Metcalf (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com reports.
Metcalf injured his ankle during Pittsburgh's loss to the Bears in Week 12 but managed to play through the issue, and after sitting out Wednesday's session, it appears he's now fully on track for Sunday's game against the Bills. The same can be said for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who sat out Week 12 due to a left wrist fracture but is now practicing in full while wearing a cast. Metcalf has drawn at least seven targets in four of his last five regular-season appearances, giving him a solid floor. That said, Metcalf hasn't scored or topped 50 receiving yards in four straight games, and in back-to-back contests he's finished without so much as a target in the red zone. Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports that Metcalf's left ankle remained taped at Thursday's practice.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Returns to practice Thursday
Rotowire
Metcalf practiced with his injured left ankle taped up Thursday, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Metcalf didn't practice Wednesday, but he was able to get back on the field Thursday. Metcalf remained in the game after getting hurt last Sunday against Chicago, so he's likely leaning toward suiting up against Buffalo this Sunday. However, he may enter the weekend with an injury designation if he doesn't progress to a full practice session by Friday.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: WRs to Sit
Rotowire
Metcalf scored a rushing touchdown in Week 12 at Chicago, but he finished the game with five catches for 22 yards on eight targets. He's now gone four games in a row without a receiving touchdown, and he has fewer than 50 receiving yards in each game over that span. We'll see if Aaron Rodgers (wrist) can play in Week 13 against Buffalo, but whether it's Rodgers or Mason Rudolph, Metcalf should be considered just a No. 3 Fantasy receiver at best in the majority of leagues.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Likely to be limited by ankle issue
Rotowire
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Metcalf (ankle) will be a limited participant in practice early in Week 13 prep, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.
Metcalf battled an ankle issue during this past Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Bears, but he still played 61 of the Steelers' 72 snaps on offense on his way to finishing with five catches for 22 yards on eight targets. The injury isn't believed to be anything that will prevent Metcalf from playing this weekend against Buffalo, but he'll likely need to advance to full practice participation by Friday in order to avoid an injury designation.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Plays through ankle issue
Rotowire
Metcalf recorded five receptions on eight targets for 22 yards in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Bears. He added two rushes for 12 yards and a touchdown.
Metcalf led the Steelers in targets but had a quiet game with Aaron Rodgers (wrist) sidelined and Mason Rudolph under center. His longest catch of the day went for only eight yards, and his lone deep target was picked off. Metcalf saved his performance with a six-yard touchdown run late in the first quarter-- his first score since Week 8. Metcalf also battled an ankle injury for much of the second and third quarters. While he didn't miss a significant amount of time in the loss, his practice status will be worth monitoring ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 13 matchup against the Bills.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Bust Alert (Start/Sit)
Rotowire
Metcalf has combined for 12 PPR points in his past three games against the Colts, Chargers and Bengals despite getting 19 targets over that span, and he hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 8. This week, Metcalf could be catching passes from an injured Aaron Rodgers (left wrist) or backup Mason Rudolph, and there's reason to be concerned about Metcalf's outlook. The matchup against the Bears is favorable since Chicago is No. 5 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, but it's hard to trust Metcalf given his recent level of play, along with his quarterback situation. He should be considered a low-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver at best in the majority of leagues.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
Rotowire
Metcalf has scored 8.0 PPR points or less in two of his past three games, and he's coming off his worst outing of the season in Week 9 against the Colts with two catches for 6 yards on four targets. He'll perform better than that in Week 10 at the Chargers, but it might not be a great performance overall. The Chargers are No. 3 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and they have only allowed four touchdowns to the position this year. That's important since Metcalf has scored double digits in PPR only once this season without finding the end zone. I would only start Metcalf in three-receiver leagues in Week 10.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf: Very quiet against Colts
Rotowire
Metcalf recorded two receptions on four targets for six yards in Sunday's 27-20 win over the Colts.
The Steelers came away with a win primarily on the strength of their defense, and there was minimal impact by any pass catcher. That was particularly true of Metcalf, who matched his season low with four targets and turned in by far his least productive game. Metcalf has been productive for fantasy purposes with five touchdowns in eight games, but he's also been held to 50 yards or fewer in half of his contests.
