Steelers' Calvin Austin III May Be In For Another Huge Game In Week 4 As Injury Bug Hits Colts' Secondary

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for an exciting Week 4 showdown on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. There is a large amount of excitement surrounding the team, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin has led the group to three straight wins to begin the 2024 season. As the year rolls along, it's possible that the front office, led by General Manager Omar Khan, could find it prudent to trade for a top-notch wide receiver in order to complete the offense. It's early and there is still time for a guy like Calvin Austin III to prove that it isn't necessary to acquire another pass-catcher.

Austin impressed in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He hauled in four catches that ended up going for 95 yards and a touchdown. The highlight of the contest was his burst of speed after catching a ball over the middle of the field in the fourth quarter. He found the end zone on the play, and the Steelers pretty much clinched the win as the score became 20-10.

It's already known that the Colts are unlikely to have star defender DeForest Buckner on the field in Week 4, and as the team got ready to practice on Wednesday, Head Coach Shane Steichen told reporters that another couple contributors on defense are being held out of practice.

The potential absence of Kenny Moore II could make a big difference in the game. Moore is slotted on the Colts' depth chart as the nickel cornerback. If he is unable to go, Austin could have a chance to have another huge game. The eight-year veteran was a Pro Bowler in 2021 and has 17 career interceptions. He is a valuable piece to Indianapolis' defense, and Austin may find it easier to break free off the line of scrimmage if Moore is too hobbled to play.

The backup on the depth chart for the Colts is Chris Lammons. The sixth-year player out of the University of South Carolina only has one career start, and that came in 2023 for the Colts. He doesn't lack experience, but has only played 3% of Indianapolis' defensive snaps in 2024. He is mainly used on special teams, and Moore being inactive could drastically change that.

Austin had all the makings of being a dynamic slot receiver coming out of college. He unfortunately missed his entire rookie season due to injury, and was not extremely effective in his sophomore campaign. The 2024 season could be his chance to make a name for himself at the professional level, and the first step to that will be backing up his performance against the Chargers.

As the week goes on, fans of both teams will get an idea of Moore's potential availability, or lack thereof. If he is inactive, it would be wise for some of the Steelers' offensive game plan to target the middle of the field with Austin. Someone needs to break out if the wide receiving corps doesn't want a newcomer by the trade deadline, and Austin could be the guy.

Steelers Are Desperate For Someone To Open Up George Pickens

George Pickens is going to receive a ton of the attention from opposing defenses throughout the 2024 season. The key to getting him more one-on-one matchups will be having more threats in the passing game. Van Jefferson hasn't performed well at all through three weeks, which is one of the reasons for Austin's breakout performance in Week 3. If he can keep it up versus the Colts and moving forward, Austin has a legitimate chance to emerge as Pittsburgh's number two wideout.

Do you expect Austin to have another big game in Week 4? Let us know in the comments below!

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