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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is not spending much time worrying about Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner ahead of Sunday’s matchup at Acrisure Stadium.
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When a reporter asked what he needed to be mindful of against Gardner, Metcalf responded with a blunt question: “Who?” He then explained his approach to facing defensive backs.
“I don’t worry about what a DB does well. They gotta guard me,” Metcalf said, per NFL insider Ari Meirov.
The comments add another layer to one of Sunday’s most intriguing individual matchups. Gardner arrived in Indianapolis with a reputation as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks, but Metcalf clearly intends to approach the contest with confidence rather than concern.
#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
The Steelers receiver is also coming off his best performance of the season. He caught five passes for 115 yards against the Cleveland Browns, giving Pittsburgh a much-needed downfield threat despite its 27-24 loss.
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That performance offers a timely reminder of what Metcalf can do when he finds space against coverage. However, repeating it against Gardner will be a different challenge, especially if Indianapolis makes the receiver a priority in its defensive game plan.
The matchup also carries some history. In three previous meetings between the pair, Metcalf recorded nine catches for 152 yards on 21 targets, while Gardner registered eight passes defended. Those numbers offer context, although they do not tell the full story of every snap they have played against each other.
Pittsburgh enters Week 5 at 2-2 and will look to bounce back after its narrow defeat to Cleveland. Metcalf’s recent production gives the offense reason for optimism, but the Steelers need that momentum to carry into Sunday’s non-divisional conference matchup.
Gardner now has an unmistakable challenge in front of him: defend a receiver who says he is focused on winning his matchup, not studying the defender across from him. Metcalf has delivered the confidence. Sunday’s performance will determine how well he backs it up.
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This story was originally published October 11, 2026 at 7:00 AM.