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DJ Turner wrestles ball away from DK Metcalf, makes unreal interception vs. Steelers

ProfilePhotoby: Nick Geddes10/17/25NickGeddesNews
DJ Turner
Phil Didion/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) cornerback DJ Turner II has been playing as well as any cornerback in the NFL this season. Turner came up big just before halftime of Thursday’s Week 7 home contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1).

Down 14-10, Pittsburgh was hoping to get some points on its final possession of the second quarter; Turner had other plans. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made what he thought was a first down completion to wide receiver DK Metcalf. It was Turner who popped up off the field with the ball in his hands. The replay showed that Turner ripped the ball away from Metcalf and got possession before going out of bounds.

It was a clean interception. One of the best we’ll see all season.

DJ Turner II continues hot start to 2025 season

A play like that could be the difference between winning and losing in a tightly contested battle between AFC North rivals. For now, it helped the Bengals add to their lead. Evan McPherson drilled a 49-yard field goal to give Cincinnati a 17-10 lead heading into the locker room.

Turner, the third-year pro out of Michigan, came into Thursday’s game with a league-leading 11 PBUs, the only player in double digits. He was particularly impressive this past Sunday against the Green Bay Packers (3-1-1), holding wideout Romeo Doubs to three catches on seven targets for 22 yards.

Turner, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds, was the fastest player at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.26-second 40-yard dash. Perhaps it was his speed that jumped out to the Bengals, who selected him in the second round. It’s clear now there’s much more to Turner than just his legs.

“From Byron Jones to Jason McCourty, Xavien Howard, Chidobe Awuzie, one thing those guys have in common is they are willing to do what it takes to play at a high level. [Turner] has that trait,” Bengals cornerbacks coach Charles Burks said earlier this week. “He’s willing to do whatever he can to get an edge on the person he’s going against.”