SEATTLE – The San Francisco 49ers secondary shut down Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf so effectively on Thursday night that even cornerback Deommodore Lenoir was surprised.

When it was learned that Metcalf only had three catches on 11 targets for 48 yards, Lenoir's face was full of shock.

“Oh wow, that’s crazy. Three?” Lenoir said, eyes the size of saucers, after the 49ers' 36-24 win at Lumen Field. “Not 14, the big one.”

As the assembled media confirmed to the fourth-year pro that Metcalf's stats were indeed accurate, Lenoir smiled but then acknowledged the Seattle star, adding that he was “a great player for sure.”

Metcalf's defense was a concerted effort from a 49ers secondary that included two rookies due to injuries to Talanoa Hufanga (wrist), who was placed on injured reserve, and cornerback Charvarius Ward, who was injured in the Week 5 loss to Metcalf suffered a bruised knee from the Arizona Cardinals.

Lenoir totaled eight tackles – six solo – and one pass breakup. He always enjoys the challenge of facing a team's best receiver and shared that while Metcalf is known for his emotions when faced with adversity, that doesn't matter to Lenoir.

“No, I just know the hyena can’t be there,” Lenoir said. “Seriously, that’s all I know. I don't know what he was doing out there. I'm just saying. There were a lot of conversations out there. I mean, you're going to compete. It's football. We stuck to football, but one of us showed up today.”

Lenoir's confidence began to emerge in his third NFL season, despite being asked to play both outside and inside as a nickelback when needed. He's preparing for a big payday in 2025 when he plans to become a free agent.

Until then, Lenoir will continue to play a leadership role in the 49ers' defensive backs room and force his way into the attention of receivers like Metcalf.

“Oh yeah, he’ll talk,” Lenoir said. “It boosts a man’s confidence when he speaks. But unlike me, the proof is in the pudding.”

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