Steelers Now
BALTIMORE — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf stayed behind in Baltimore after the team left for Pittsburgh after its win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday after experiencing stomach pains, the team confirmed to NFL Network.
Metcalf played and starred in the team’s 27-22 win over the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday with apparent ill effects, but upon boarding the team’s plane at Baltimore-Washington International Airport, he complained of stomach pains.
Metcalf was removed from the flight and taken to a local hospital to rule out any internal injuries while the rest of the team proceeded to Pittsburgh. Metcalf is traveling to Pittsburgh today. His status moving forward is currently unknown.
The Steelers have an extra day off this week while preparing to host the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, with their first practice of the week not scheduled until Thursday, instead of the usual Wednesday, giving Metcalf an extra day of rest.
The receiver had a breakout performance on Sunday, catching seven passes for 148 yards, the fourth-highest total of his career and his best day so far in a Steelers uniform.
The Steelers don’t have much in the way of depth behind Metcalf at the X wide receiver position, with practice squad members Marquez Valdes-Scantling the most likely candidate to replace him if he misses time.
Valdes-Scantling made his Steelers debut on Sunday as a practice squad call-up. He played 16 snaps and did not catch his only target. Adam Thielen, who was claimed on waivers last week from the Minnesota Vikings, also made his debut with Pittsburgh, playing in 25 snaps. Thielen has mostly played the Z and slot receiver position in his career — similar to Steelers incumbents Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
In addition to Metcalf’s ailment, wide receiver Ben Skowronek suffered a finger injury late in the game against the Ravens, and while he was able to continue his special teams duties, it’s unclear if he’s able to play receiver at this point.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers WR DK Metcalf Spent Night in Baltimore after Medical Issue
