Three Mississippi alumni commanded NFL attention this week — one facing discipline, one inching back toward the field, and one watching his team thrive without him.
DK Metcalf: Fined and Suspended Heading Into Week 5
The biggest Ole Miss story of the week came with a gavel drop. The NFL announced a fine and suspension for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf stemming from his conduct in Pittsburgh's game against the Browns — a punishment that renewed scrutiny of behavior that followed Metcalf throughout his time in Seattle before his offseason trade to the Steelers. The suspension carries into Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, sidelining one of Pittsburgh's most dangerous weapons at a critical juncture of the season. The timing stings: a Sports Illustrated bold-prediction piece had already named Metcalf as the potential key to a Steelers win over the Colts, making his absence all the more costly for Pittsburgh's offense.
A.J. Brown: "Sooner Than Later" Carries Real Weight in New England
The Patriots signed A.J. Brown this offseason to remake their receiver room, and he promptly suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1. Now, five weeks later, the fog is lifting. Multiple outlets are reporting optimistic timelines, with Tom Pelissero of The Ringer noting that Brown could return "sooner than later" after what's been described as a "positive" rehabilitation process. A sports doctor consulted by Heavy Sports echoed the encouraging outlook. Brown has not played since opening day, and New England — which absorbed a 29-26 loss to the Bills in Week 4 — badly needs him back. Dawson Knox, another Ole Miss product, caught two passes for 13 yards in that Bills game, though he was on the other sideline. Brown's return would give the Patriots' offense a genuine No. 1 threat it has lacked all season.
Jaxson Dart: Watching From the Couch, Still Rippling Through New York
Jaxson Dart's season-ending knee injury — suffered in Week 2 against the Rams — continues to define the Giants' 2025 narrative. New York has responded with a 3-1 record behind Jameis Winston, who silenced early benching rumors after a shaky debut by putting together strong performances in subsequent weeks. But the Dart storyline won't go away: this week, both Dart and defensive end Brian Burns (also on IR) posted social media videos of themselves celebrating the final play after a Giants pick-six sealed a win. Dart's girlfriend also spoke publicly about life during his recovery — a measure of how much the rookie QB has captured the attention of the New York fan base even while sidelined. The Giants sit alone atop the NFC East at 3-1, but the QB question — Winston, Dart's eventual return, and swirling J.J. McCarthy trade rumors — will define their next chapter.
Around the League
Elsewhere, Tre' Harris (Chargers) had his best showing of the young season, hauling in three catches for 60 yards in Los Angeles' Week 4 loss to Seattle. Laquon Treadwell remained quietly productive in Indianapolis, turning in five receptions for 42 yards against Washington in a 30-13 Colts win. Walter Nolen III recorded a sack for Arizona against the Giants before the Cardinals fell 36-24, though his availability for Week 5 is in doubt after roster moves signaled the Cardinals may be managing a new injury. Trey Amos, meanwhile, was designated for return by Washington, potentially adding another Rebel to an active NFL secondary soon.
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