The Pittsburgh Steelers feature one of the best tight end rooms in the NFL. But in Week 8, the team’s offense could also have back one of its starting wide receivers — Calvin Austin III.
According to the Steelers official injury report, Austin fully practiced Wednesday. It was the first time the fourth-year wideout was back on the field without limitations since suffering his shoulder injury in Week 4.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor also reported Austin was back at practice.
Austin left in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on September 28. Initial reports indicated that he would need a stint on injured reserve. If the team had placed Austin on IR, then he would have been sidelined through Week 9.
But it appears he has a shot to play in Week 8. The Steelers will host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.
Austin has posted 10 catches for 139 yards with two touchdowns in four games this season. He had 548 yards on 36 receptions with four scores in 17 games last year.
Steelers’ Calvin Austin III Trending Toward Return in Week 8
The Steelers passing attack has managed to survive without Austin and with its lack of receiving depth thanks to the team’s tight ends. In Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, all four receiving touchdowns for Pittsburgh were tight end catches.
But if Austin returns, the Steelers will have another receiver opposite DK Metcalf who can take the top off a defense. Last season, Austin averaged 15.2 yards per catch.
Without Austin the past two games, Roman Wilson has played more. Wilson, though, still isn’t getting a lot of targets.
In Week 7, he caught two passes for 17 yards. While that’s not an impressive line, it was the first time Wilson had two catches in an NFL game.
Should Austin return, Wilson can move back into his WR3 role. The Steelers also have Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek for receiver depth.
Austin returns punts on special teams as well. The past two games, Ke’Shawn Williams, as a practice squad elevation, has returned punts in place of Austin.
Steelers’ Zach Frazier Limited at Wednesday’s Practice
In general, the Steelers seem to be getting healthier every week. But one surprising addition to the injury report Wednesday was center Zach Frazier.
The second-year center was limited because of a calf injury.
Frazier didn’t miss any offensive snaps against the Bengals last Thursday. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also didn’t mention the center’s injury after the game or during his Tuesday press conference.
It’s not clear whether that’s because Frazier’s ailment is minor or if it’s a new injury. How much Frazier practices Thursday and Friday will better indicate what his availability could be in Week 8.
Along with Austin, rookie quarterback Will Howard and linebacker Malik Harrison fully practiced. If either are going to dress in Week 8, the Steelers will have to activate them.
The team opened Howard’s 21-day practice window Wednesday. The Steelers did that one day after releasing quarterback Logan Woodside from the practice squad.
Veterans T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward didn’t practice Wednesday. Both received a rest day.
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