DK Metcalf 'Excited As Hell' To Return From Suspension For Fan Incident

DK Metcalf won't have to wait until next season to return from his suspension for an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan ... and the star receiver told reporters he's "excited as hell" to be back.

The 28-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers player met with the media at his locker on Monday ... and while there were plenty of questions about what exactly happened with spectator Ryan Kennedy on Dec. 21, Metcalf made it clear he wasn't going to talk about it.

The only nuggets of info Metcalf was willing to share?? He was surprised the punishment was upheld after his appeal ... and he feels "full responsibility" for his actions, although it's unclear if he was referencing his role in the fan incident when making that comment.

He did open up on how great it felt to return to the team facility after Sunday's dramatic win over the Baltimore Ravens a day prior ... and he thanked his teammates for pulling through and keeping their Super Bowl hopes alive.

As we previously reported, there are two stories being told about what happened between Metcalf and Kennedy -- the Steelers star claimed the fan used racial slurs and made inappropriate comments about his mom before he took a swing at him, while the Lions supporter stated he simply called Metcalf by his full name.

In fact, Kennedy lawyered up over the whole ordeal.