Steelers’ DK Metcalf Has a Brutal Message For Sauce Gardner Ahead of Colts Clash

Steelers WR DK Metcalf is unphased with the prospect of facing Colts DB Sauce Gardner on Sunday.

Steelers’ DK Metcalf Has a Brutal Message For Sauce Gardner Ahead of Colts Clash

(L) Sauce Gardner and (R)DK Metcalf (Image via Yardbarker and IMAGO)

DK Metcalf is brimming with confidence after recording his first 100-yard game in 2026. On Sunday, Metcalf and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Indianapolis Colts.

When it comes to the Colts, reporters are always pitting the opposition’s wide receivers against star DB Sauce Gardner. The Colts gave up a couple of first-round picks and WR Adonai Mitchell to trade for the former fourth overall pick.

Fans can expect Gardner to line up opposite Metcalf on Sunday. So, reporters asked the big, imposing receiver how he will handle Gardner on the field. Metcalf didn’t recognize Gardner at first until the reporter jogged his memory.

However, Metcalf, who caught 5 passes for 115 yards in the Steelers’ last game against the Browns, bluntly said Gardner has to face him and not the other way around. Metcalf said via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team:

I don’t worry about what a DB does well. They gotta guard me

Metcalf will have the upper hand in this matchup because Gardner has struggled since moving to Indi toward the back end of last year. For example, the Colts defeated the Commanders in Week 4, but Gardner had a bad game. Per Next Gen Stats, he allowed four catches for 117 yards and a touchdown on five targets, the most yards he has given up in a game.

Commanders fielded their third-choice rookie QB, Athan Kaliakmanis, after injuries ruled out both Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. Kaliakmanis connected with WR Treylon Burks for a 47-yard touchdown run on Gardner.

Then WR Antonio Williams had an 87-yard catch-and-run. Fortunately, the referee called it back for an illegal shift at the line of scrimmage. According to a report from Stephen Holder of ESPN, Gardner jogged while defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore chased it down. PFF graded Gardner’s performance 56.5, placing him the 66th-best corner in the NFL.

The Colts brought him in last year when the team was 7-2. They won one more game before quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury. The Colts went 8-9 and missed the playoffs. Gardner has been on the winning side just three times so far.

Gardner and Metcalf met on opening day of 2025, when the Pro Bowl corner was still with the New York Jets. Although the Jets lost 34-32, Gardner allowed Metcalf one 11-yard catch on 3 targets.

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Aaron Rodgers shows faith in DK Metcalf ahead of the Colts game

Fans envisioned the Steelers dominating teams with Metcalf and quarterback Aaron Rodgers returning to the team. The Steelers are 2-2 and choked against the Browns last week.

Steelers’ DK Metcalf Has a Brutal Message For Sauce Gardner Ahead of Colts Clash
#4 DK Metcalf (Image via IMAGO)

Prior to the game in Cleveland, Metcalf had 98 yards on 11 receptions in three outings. He struggled to create separation. So, Rodgers targeted tight end Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington, third-year wideout Roman Wilson, and rookie receiver Germie Bernard. Running back Jaylen Warren has been a breath of fresh air. Warren has 309 yards on 555 carries and 143 yards on 13 receptions.

Metcalf broke free against the Browns. On Thursday, reporters asked Rodgers about Metcalf’s mindset heading into Week 5. The veteran signal caller didn’t mince his words. Rodgers said via Brendan Howe:

We all lose our minds at times out on the field, and mine always get caught. His, not so much. … DK is a passionate guy, and sometimes you just gotta let him go, because that passion is what makes him such a great player.

The Steelers sent multiple draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks to acquire Metcalf. He caught 59 passes for 850 yards and 6 touchdowns in 15 starts during his debut campaign.

Seattle drafted Metcalf, an Ole Miss alum, 64th overall in 2019. He had three 1000-yard seasons with the Seahawks and earned one All-Pro and two Pro Bowl selections.

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