The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the heat of the playoff hunt but will need to navigate the next two games without wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended by the NFL following an altercation with a fan during last week’s game against the Detroit Lions.RELATED VIDEO: Lions fan denies using racial slur in incident with Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf The fan, Ryan Kennedy, held a press conference on Friday with his legal team to deny allegations of using racial slurs in that situation. “I guess I want to be crystal clear about one thing. I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech,” Kennedy said.Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the altercation earlier in the week, expressing his support for Metcalf. “You know, there are a lot of things that are said. There are two sides to every story. And I, I support D.K. I’ll continue to support D.K. and, and, you know, at this point, that happened,” Rodgers said.With Metcalf out, it will be on the Steelers’ wide receiver room to make up for his production. “You know, you’ve got to focus on being ready. You know, whether that be physically, mentally, and just be at your best on game day, you don’t really know what that looks like. So you just have to be prepared for everything,” said Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen.The Steelers also took steps to shore up their defense, having signed cornerback Tre Flowers on Thursday to bolster their secondary. Flowers says no matter the role, he will be ready to contribute. “Just trying to help anybody who wants my help. That needs help. Talk football with the guys. I’m just here to help. That’s how I feel. And I’m here to serve. That’s always been my role,” Flowers said.The Steelers can clinch the division with a win or a Ravens loss on Saturday.Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

PITTSBURGH —

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the heat of the playoff hunt but will need to navigate the next two games without wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended by the NFL following an altercation with a fan during last week’s game against the Detroit Lions.

RELATED VIDEO: Lions fan denies using racial slur in incident with Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf

The fan, Ryan Kennedy, held a press conference on Friday with his legal team to deny allegations of using racial slurs in that situation.

“I guess I want to be crystal clear about one thing. I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech,” Kennedy said.

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the altercation earlier in the week, expressing his support for Metcalf.

“You know, there are a lot of things that are said. There are two sides to every story. And I, I support D.K. I’ll continue to support D.K. and, and, you know, at this point, that happened,” Rodgers said.

With Metcalf out, it will be on the Steelers’ wide receiver room to make up for his production.

“You know, you’ve got to focus on being ready. You know, whether that be physically, mentally, and just be at your best on game day, you don’t really know what that looks like. So you just have to be prepared for everything,” said Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen.

The Steelers also took steps to shore up their defense, having signed cornerback Tre Flowers on Thursday to bolster their secondary. Flowers says no matter the role, he will be ready to contribute.

“Just trying to help anybody who wants my help. That needs help. Talk football with the guys. I’m just here to help. That’s how I feel. And I’m here to serve. That’s always been my role,” Flowers said.

The Steelers can clinch the division with a win or a Ravens loss on Saturday.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.