PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers lost starting wide receiver Calvin Austin III during their Week 4 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. An upper-body injury ended his game early, and after a much needed bye week, the team was hoping to hear some good news on Austin’s status.
Instead, the Steelers wide receiver was visibly discouraged while speaking with reporters about his injury after a recent practice. Asked about the severity of the injury and the timeline for his return, Austin had no concrete answers. Instead, he told the media that he’s taking things a day at a time as they look for answers.
“Like I said, just taking it one day at a time,” he told reporters. “I’ll listen to the medical staff and coach T.”
Will he be placed on the Reserved/Injured List while he recovers? It’s possible, but not a guarantee. No use in asking Austin, who had no insight into the team’s plans for him while he recuperates.
“Oh yeah, I have no clue about that,” he said regarding the possibility of going on the IR.
Without Calvin Austin III, the Steelers are depleted at wide receiver. Coming into the season, it was already a position of concern, and it’s reached a new level of concern after their recent victory. The group behind superstar pass-catcher DK Metcalf is a junior varsity group trying to make varsity plays. It’s a lost cause as veteran special teamers like Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are asked to take on a larger role in the offense.
The calls for a trade have been loud since training camp, with many clamoring for an addition the moment the team sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The replacement was already there in Austin, but now this injury has the Steelers back in the same place of needing depth behind their top target.
Now, those calls are only increasing for more wide receiver help. Aside from Miller and Skowronek, the only other option on the 53-man roster is second-year receiver Roman Wilson. Behind him are practice squad options like Ke’Shawn Williams and Isaiah Hodgins.
The Steelers don’t have long to decide on their next move. They have a few weeks remaining until the trade deadline, so any outside additions have to be done soon. Otherwise, they will be waiting to Austin to return, and it’s clear from his recent comments that he won’t be on the field any time soon.