Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin III was one of the most anticipated members of the 2022 rookie class. Unfortunately, he was sidelined with an injury during the preseason and that anticipation got put on hold. The entire Steelers organization is now looking ahead to the 2023 season, and that includes Austin, who spoke with Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about his recovery and how he sees himself fitting into the team.
Credit: Steelers YouTube page
Steelers’ Calvin Austin III Eager to Return
The 2022 Steelers rookie class is being touted as one of the best in recent years. Many of those rookies saw significant playing time this season with some, like QB Kenny Pickett, starting or seeing the majority of snaps. The excitement for this group built early, as fans saw them during training camp and preseason. The wide receiver duo of George Pickens and Austin had fans especially excited as they both displayed an uncanny ability to reel in any ball that gets close to their fingertips.
Unfortunately, just before the first preseason game, Austin injured his foot. He spent the beginning of the season on the injured reserve. Then midseason, it seemed he was possibly returning, but the injury flared up again resulting in surgery and ending any potential of playing in 2022. Austin had this to say about the injury:
"I would say one of the benefits was I continued to go to practice and attend meetings. My head was still there. I just couldn't get the physical aspect done. When I went back out there I was definitely impressed with myself. I was excited and hoping to help the team. I just had another misstep at practice, and we decided to get it fixed. Rehab is going well and I'm excited for next year."
Fittipaldo asked Austin about seeing all of his fellow rookies get playing time while he could not:
"That was probably the hardest part, but the best part to see. Those guys were out there balling. I was happy to see it. It felt like we were just in rookie minicamp a couple days ago and now we're at the end of the season. To see their growth, going into the off-season there are some big plans. We all have that mindset. We just tipped our toe in the water. Now we're going to make steps and get ready for next year."
Austin is prepared to fight for a spot on the team and there is a real chance he could make it. Right now, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are WR1 and WR2, but there are rumblings about Johnson being traded despite signing an extension through 2024. Regardless of what happens with him, the WR3 spot is currently open. That makes it a competition for Austin, Steven Sims, and Gunner Olszewski.
Austin said he recognizes that the team cannot wait for him and that the responsibility is his to earn himself a spot:
"The train isn't going to stop moving. When you come into this building, you have to be ready for growth. That's what my mindset is. I was in all the meetings. I didn't get the game reps, which are very much needed and valuable, but as far as my mindset goes, the physical aspect is important, but the mental aspect can slow rookies down. I feel like I have a good drop on that. I feel like I'm right there with them."
Austin has said that he is going to be working hard this off-season to be prepared to compete in training camp. He feels that his foot is going to be 100% healed and that he will be unencumbered and ready to go. He is going to have a real chance to earn his spot on the team and show everyone the magic we saw a glimpse of before.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 21: Calvin Austin III #19 of the Pittsburgh Steelers poses for a portrait during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on May 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
What do you think will happen in the 2023 Steelers WR room? How will Austin fit into this unit? Click to comment below.
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