football

NFL makes huge rule change following Steelers WR DK Metcalf incident

โ€ขYahoo Sports

The National Football League has made an important rule change that is somewhat connected to DK Metcalf.

In what some are calling the "DK Metcalf rule" following the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver's physical altercation with Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy , the NFL has passed a major rule change that could shake up the game as fans know it. On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that NFL owners approved, for only one season, a rule in which the league can assist officiating in ejections regardless of whether a flag was thrown. "NFL owners have approved a rule change allowing the league to step in and assist on potential disqualifications, whether for flagrant football acts or non-football acts, and initiate a flag if one wasnโ€™t thrown," Schefter wrote.

"Situations like DK Metcalfโ€™s incident last year, where no flag meant no ejection, can now be addressed in real time. " Last season, Metcalf physically grabbed and shoved a fan but was unable to be disqualified as no flag was thrown. If the new rule change was in effect when the incident occurred, the league could've assisted with getting Metcalf out of the game.

For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' DK Metcalf may be related to new NFL rule change