Steelers WR DK Metcalf Is Making 1 Thing Quite Obvious
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.”
Chase Young remains out of practice with a calf injury
Saints defensive end Chase Young remained out of practice Thursday, which doesn’t bode well for his availability for Sunday.
Young hurt his calf in the Sept. 3 practice and sat out last Thursday and Friday before being inactive for the season opener.
Young played all 17 games last season.
Offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga (knee) returned to practice on a limited basis after missing Wednesday’s work. Long snapper Zach Wood (elbow) was downgraded to a non-participant after limited work a day earlier.
The rest of the team’s injury report remained the same with offensive lineman Trevor Penning (toe) and safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) still out; running back Velus Jones (knee) again limited; and safety Jordan Howden (oblique) a full participant for the second day in a row.
