Two AFC contenders will be without key players for the final two games of the regular season due to the appeals officers upholding suspensions.
Videos by FanBuzz
DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denzel Perryman of the Los Angeles Chargers both received two-game suspensions ahead of Christmas, albeit for significantly different reasons. Both players appealed these suspensions but failed.
Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, former member of the Green Bay Packers, upheld the two-game ban for Perryman. Chris Palmer upheld the suspension issued to Metcalf.
Perryman received a two-game suspension for "repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players." The NFL cited multiple violations, including a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cowboys receiver Ryan Flournoy while he was on the ground.
The league previously suspended Perryman in 2023 for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.
Metcalf, received his two-game ban for "initiating a physical confrontation" with a fan of the Lions. Cameras showed the receiver grab a fan by the shirt and then swipe upward at him. The video did not clearly show if he had made contact with the punch.
The two men involved in this altercation had different takes on the situation. The fan indicated he had angered Metcalf by using his full "government name." A source close to the receiver alleged that the fan had called Metcalf a slur and had used a derogatory term to describe his mother.
The Lions fan released a statement through his attorney categorically denying these allegations and saying that at no point did he use any slurs or hate speech of any kind.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the matter before the appeal, only saying, "He did explain to me why he did what he did. I certainly don't condone the behavior, but I support DK."
With the suspensions upheld, both players can only return for the start of the playoffs. The Chargers have a secure spot but can win the AFC West fort he first time since 2009 by winning the final two games of the season.
The 9-6 Steelers continue to seek a division crown. They have the lead in the AFC North but need to continue winning to hold off the 7-8 Ravens.
The upheld suspension will have a larger impact on Metcalf beyond simply sidelining him for the final two games of the regular season. He will lose more than $500,000 in game checks.
This suspension also means the Steelers could void the $45 million in guaranteed money if they chose to part ways with Metcalf. This is an unlikely outcome as he is the leading receiver with 850 yards and six touchdowns. The closest player to Metcalf is running back Kenneth Gainwell with 410 yards and three touchdowns.
