Steelers WR1 still shows up to practice even though Steelers are having a long week off

Pittsburgh, PA — October 4, 2025 — As the Pittsburgh Steelers enjoy their Week 5 bye, wide receiver DK Metcalf is wasting no time honing his craft. The team's No. 1 receiver, who has been a revelation since his March 2025 trade from the Seattle Seahawks, arrived at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for a voluntary workout session, drawing praise from coaches and teammates alike.

Metcalf, who signed a five-year, $150 million extension upon joining Pittsburgh, has been the focal point of Aaron Rodgers' passing attack. Through four games, he has hauled in 10 catches for 135 yards and three touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 80-yard score against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4's 24-21 win in Dublin, Ireland. His explosive playmaking has helped the Steelers to a 3-1 start, ranking him as the team's WR1 on the depth chart ahead of Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.

The bye week offers a much-needed respite for a roster battered by injuries, including Alex Highsmith (ankle, out indefinitely), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), and Max Scharping (ACL tear, out for season). However, Metcalf's commitment stands out. "DK's work ethic is unmatched," offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said. "He's out there refining routes, building chemistry with Rodgers—it's the little things that separate stars from legends."

Rodgers, fresh off surpassing Brett Favre for fourth on the all-time touchdown pass list with 510, echoed the sentiment: "DK's drive pushes everyone. In a bye week, showing up like that sets the tone." Metcalf's session focused on deep ball timing and post-catch agility, crucial for a unit averaging 212 passing yards per game and struggling with run balance (78.7 rushing yards, 28th in NFL).

With Calvin Austin III sidelined by a shoulder injury (expected back after the bye) and Roman Wilson seeking consistency (1 catch, 7 yards), Metcalf's leadership is vital. His 2020 Pro Bowl season with Seattle (1,372 yards, 10 TDs) translates seamlessly to Pittsburgh, where he's become Rodgers' go-to target.

As the Steelers gear up for Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Metcalf's bye-week grind exemplifies the "Steel Curtain" mentality. Fans on X raved: "DK's a beast—bye week and he's still grinding!" In a division stacked with threats like the Ravens, Metcalf's dedication could be the edge Pittsburgh needs to contend.