Steelers' DK Metcalf has blunt response when asked about facing Sauce Gardner

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steelers' DK Metcalf has blunt response when asked about facing Sauce Gardner

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 11:07 PM ET

There's nothing quite like a star receiver in the NFL downplaying the capabilities of a star defensive back.

This time, it's Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf taking a jab at Indianapolis Colts defensive back Sauce Gardner ahead of their matchup on Sunday.

DK Metcalf initially gave an interesting one-word response when asked about Sauce Gardner

Metcalf spoke to media ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Colts, a game where he'll likely be covered by Gardner quite frequently. Metcalf was asked about the matchup and what he needed to be mindful of when going up against Gardner. His one-word answer set the table for Sunday's matchup.

"Who?" was the original response given by Metcalf. He was then asked the same question again and responded with, "I don't worry about what a DB does well... they've got to guard me."

#Steelers WR DK Metcalf on facing Colts CB Sauce Gardner on Sunday:

"Who?"

"I don't worry about what a DB does well. They gotta guard me." pic.twitter.com/yRRmxBq0CH
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 11, 2026

DK Metcalf doesn't have great success against Sauce Gardner

Metcalf and Gardner matched up in Week 1 last season, and it was Gardner who got the best of Metcalf. He allowed just one catch for 11 yards in that matchup.

Gardner's head coach at the time, Aaron Glenn, raved about his performance in the game, saying Gardner was 'outstanding' in his shadowing of Metcalf throughout the game. Gardner was on record saying, "I felt like I strapped him" after the performance.

The last time Sauce Gardner shadowed DK Metcalf:

— 3 Targets
— 1 REC
— 11 Yards

Sauce lined up against DK on 90% of his routes.

Straight locks. https://t.co/voqqxXy8Wl pic.twitter.com/lXGJdsYt0c
— Colts Muse (@ColtsMusee) October 11, 2026

After a bad start, Sauce Gardner may have the bulletin board material he needs to play well

According to PFF, Gardner has a 56.5 overall grade this season, ranking 63rd out of 102 cornerbacks. He's allowed a 125.6 passer rating when targeted, a number that is among the worst in the NFL.

If anything can get a struggling player motivated, it can be bulletin board material such as the kind that Metcalf gave Gardner ahead of Sunday. Expect to see a motivated Gardner on the field Sunday, and don't be surprised if things get a bit chippy between the two.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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