The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been very forthright about wide receiver Calvin Austin III sitting out recent practices and missing Week 1 of the NFL preseason. Austin hasn’t been on the practice field since August 2.
Steelers Now’s Alan Saunders reported Tuesday that the wideout has a core muscle injury.
“Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is dealing with a minor abdominal muscle injury, multiple sources confirmed to Steelers Now,” wrote Saunders.
“Austin has been out of practice for several days and missed the team’s first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Mike Tomlin said last week that he expected Austin to return to practice soon, and the injury is not expected to impact his readiness for the start of the regular season at this time, sources confirmed to SN.”
Despite the injury, the Steelers listed Austin as their starting receiver opposite former All-Pro DK Metcalf.
Steelers WR Calvin Austin III Has Abdominal Injury
The receiver dealing with an injury isn’t all that surprising. About nine times out of 10, that’s the reason for any preseason absence.
But Saunders’ report puts to rest that there is any other drama around Austin not being on the field.
“Austin’s absence from practice, and Tomlin’s vagueness in describing his injury has led to rampant speculation that Austin might be missing practice for another reason — another hold out,” wrote Saunders.
“While Austin is entering the final season of his contract, Austin’s agent, Rodney Williams, confirmed to SN that the only reason he is not practicing right now is his injury. Austin previously participated in all of the team’s other offseason programs before the injury.”
Austin will be a free agent this upcoming offseason. However, he’s not really in a position to negotiate a new deal this summer.
While he turned in a nice season for the Steelers in 2024, posting 548 receiving yards and 15.2 yards per catch, Austin has just 53 catches in his career. He missed his entire rookie season because of injury. Austin then had 17 catches for 180 yards in 2023.
The 26-year-old has started nine of the 34 NFL games he’s played. Overall, he has received 88 targets and posted 728 receiving yards. Austin has also scored five touchdowns.
If Austin builds on his 2024 season, he’s likely to receive a contract extension from the Steelers in 2026. But neither side appears to expect a new deal before the 2025 campaign.
2025 Expectations for Austin
Pundits have continued to suggest the Steelers could acquire another receiver before the start of the 2025 regular season. The team, though, hasn’t indicated to be in any serious receiver trade talks in recent weeks.
While Pittsburgh fans have learned never to say never with general manager Omar Khan, the Steelers have expressed confidence in Austin as the team’s No. 2 receiver.
“Everyone’s downplaying, underplaying our group right now,” Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni said on June 11, via The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Chris Adamski. “I love it that way. I don’t want anyone looking at us anyway. It’ll be good.
“I think that two spot is all Calvin’s. And really him and DK are such different players, there’s going to be plays where he is the one guy, ’cause that’s his route and vice versa, because they’re so different in stature.”
The Steelers had veterans Robert Woods and Scotty Miller listed as the second-team receivers on their first depth chart. Both could make an impact for Pittsburgh’s offense in 2025.
Former third-round pick Roman Wilson could be a breakout candidate as well. The Steelers had Wilson as a third-team receiver on the first depth chart.
But clearly, the team expects a lot from Austin. He will have to get back on the field healthy to meet those expectations.
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