Steelers WR DK Metcalf Is Making 1 Thing Quite Obvious
If one thing is clear about Steelers WR DK Metcalf, it's that he'll lead by example.
For years on end, the Pittsburgh Steelers have generally known what they have. Mike Tomlin runs a tight ship, the team will likely win nine or more games and the season will end in disappointing fashion.
Tomlin remains at the helm, but the offseason brought a huge shift from a cultural perspective. Stars on both sides of the ball were acquired in an effort to insulate a win-now roster around quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
One of the biggest moves was the trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. It’s early, but one area he’s rewarding the Steelers for their investment in goes beyond the surface.
It’s his approach.
Aaron Rodgers Praises DK Metcalf’s Approach: ‘He Cares About the Right Stuff’
Recent weeks saw Rodgers rave about Metcalf’s professionalism. The bond between the two appears to be strong. Anyone who’s followed Rodgers’ career knows that’s never a foregone conclusion. The training camp roommates are thriving one week into the 2025-26 campaign, though.
Sure, Rodgers is putting effort in on his end. One of the main reasons why Metcalf is starring both on and off the field, however, is how much of a professional he is.
Rodgers explained further when speaking to the media on Wednesday.
“He cares about the right stuff,” Rodgers said. “He cares about it. Cares enough to watch the film and to put in the time and take notes, ask questions. Comes over and sits next to me during the week at various times to try and get on the same page. I love it. That’s, unfortunately, not the standard around the league that I’ve been accustomed to. It was a lot of times in Green Bay because those guys kind of saw what it was like with Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, James Jones, Davante [Adams] got to watch that, and he was the next guy in line. Whatever way you go about it, when you’re [the] lead dog in the room who’s also a great guy and prepares the right way, it makes it easy for the rest of the room to follow his lead.”
Metcalf, now on a lucrative contract extension, is the unquestioned alpha of the receiver room. That’s little surprise, but it comes with sizable expectations. Over the summer, the NFL seemed to wonder whether he’s worth the billing of a top-shelf wideout. The Steelers absolutely need him to be, especially given the lack of elite talent elsewhere.
Things on the field are off to a good start. Metcalf drew a tough matchup in Week 1 but hauled in four passes for 83 yards anyway. Rodgers’ respect for him is obvious.
Time With Seahawks Shaped Metcalf’s Role as a Leader
Week 2 brings something new for Metcalf: a revenge game. He spent his first six seasons with Pittsburgh’s weekend opponent, the Seattle Seahawks, after landing there in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. It’s a chance for the Steelers to rise to 2-0 on the year, as well as an opportunity for Metcalf to put his former squad into an 0-2 hole.
But he isn’t looking at it that way. He’s merely focused on the task at hand. The two-time Pro Bowler is grateful for the first NFL organization he knew. Being around so many veterans helped him prepare for the leadership role he has now.
“I just think the way that I’ve matured and grown as a football player on the field,” Metcalf said. “And my leadership skills have definitely been honed in thanks to guys like Bobby [Wagner], Russ [Russell Wilson], Tyler Lockett, coach Pete [Carroll]. Especially being around these great players in this organization, a great head coach. I’ve had the chance to learn from a lot of great people.”
Everything Metcalf learned in Seattle is applying to Pittsburgh. He’s a vocal leader, a tone-setter and a friend to Rodgers. He’s a study partner and a weight room savant. At his core, Metcalf is also a positive influence.
Despite his freakish frame and high-level aptitude for football, it’s his attitude that rises above it all.
“Ending everything on a positive note,” Metcalf said. “So if I get a drop, I’ve always got a ‘big eraser,’ as Russ would call it [during] my rookie year. Make a catch or, like you said, a shooter ending on a make or in the weight room, always do one extra rep of everything. Just the way that I carry myself and just the way that I view life — always end on something positive.”
BREAKING: Positive update clouded by disappointing news ahead of Week 2 vs. Colts
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for a showdown against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2 of the NFL regular season. Denver's defense looks in midseason form, and though the offense struggled, some bright spots should have Broncos Country more than excited for what's next.
Ahead of the contest, the Broncos face a busy practice week preparing for the Colts. On Wednesday, Nate Adkins, John Franklin-Meyers, and Dre Greenlaw did not practice, with Evan Engram being limited, and Alex Singleton, a full participant.
With Thursday's update, it was a mix of good and bad news, with a disappointing update on Greenlaw. As Mike Klis, Broncos reporter for 9News, shared on X that Greenlaw might look to ramp up practice next week in hopes of being back by Week 4. Greenlaw, as Klis shared, avoided IR, which would have forced him to miss at least four weeks.
Engram got another day of practice in, while Franklin-Meyers and Adkins were able to return to practice in some capacity. This was the first time Adkins has been on the field after suffering a high ankle sprain in a joint practice with the 49ers. For Engram and Franklin-Myers, they were full participants after either missing practice entirely or being limited on Wednesday, which is a huge win.
Engram had been limited after suffering a calf injury during the Week 1 victory. During the preseason, the tight end had some electric moments that Broncos Country is more than ready to see during the regular season.
Payton has been waiting for Adkins to return
Adkins' return was big for the organization, with a player who is eager to contribute.
Head coach Sean Payton has been vocal about how important Adkins is for what the team is trying to achieve. In August, the head coach was telling reporters how the tight end was a lock for the roster and how they're going to need him moving forward.
“I can’t say he’s going to be medically ready to play Week 1, but close enough to where we’re probably going to hold him," Payton said. "We discussed it the other day, he’s going to beat the short-term [. . .] Week 2, Week 3. He’s too good of a football player for us. We’re going to need him.”
John Franklin-Myers is back at practice
Zac Stevens from DNVR Broncos shared the exciting update about Franklin-Meyers' return after the defensive end had missed practice on Wednesday. He played in 36 defensive snaps against the Titans and finished with one total tackle and an assisted tackle. He was a full participant, which gives the defensive front a boost after he was limited on Wednesday.
In 2024, Franklin-Myers was one of six players to record at least five sacks.
A mixed bag with more positives than negatives on the injury front, with an exciting update on Adkins returning to the football field. All that's left to do is wait as the Broncos will release their final injury report on Friday, which should include some game-time statuses.
