The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now 42 years old, to end the franchise’s drought of playoff wins before it reaches a full decade. The early returns were phenomenal, with the pairing of Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin seemingly like the perfect fit.
Then the Steelers hit a rough patch and allowed the Baltimore Ravens, who started their season 1-5, to catch them in the standings, with teams tied for first place in the AFC North at 6-6 heading into Sunday’s matchup against each other. Rodgers shocked the world with a turn-back-the-clock sort of performance, showcasing the scrambling ability and deep ball touch that have won him four league MVPs over his career.
The Steelers and Rodgers made it a point to feed star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who, like Rodgers, is in his first season with the franchise. Metcalf and Rodgers connected seven times for 148 yards in the win over Baltimore.
Unfortunately, the former MVP and surefire future Hall of Famer has gotten some absolutely terrible news, as his top target’s status is in question for Pittsburgh’s next game after being hospitalized following the win.
“Steelers standout WR DK Metcalf stayed overnight in Baltimore hotel after going to a local hospital following the game, team spokesman (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,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.
Rapoport then followed up with more information.
“DK 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.”
Fans reacted to the brutal news on social media.
“There’s a reason that concussions & possible internal injuries happen when the Steelers play the Ravens, and it’s got to be one word…Bounties. If JohnHarbaugh was seriously investigated, I’m sure he would turn up guilty as sin. There’s a history to it, and Harbaugh needs to pay,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Bet the same thing won’t be done for Kelce. There’s no chance they’ll hold out golden boys favorite target for the next game,” another fan added.
“Weak stomach is consistent with being a Steeler,” someone else wrote.
It’ll be interesting to see if Rodgers can put the team on his back if Metcalf is forced to miss time.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.