Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin III figured to play an integral role in the team's offense in 2022. Selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, former GM Kevin Colbert opted to double-dip on wide receivers in the draft. George Pickens was the headliner, as he was selected in the second round and was arguably the most talented wideout in the class.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Austin though brought a different, unique skillset to the table. While his speed led to unfair comparisons to former Steelers running back Dri Archer, he is a far different, more complete player than him. He showed just that at training camp in Latrobe, as he made several big plays with his impressive speed. Then, he suffered an unfortunate foot injury. The Steelers subsequently placed him, along with veteran safety Damontae Kazee, on IR.
Fast forward to three weeks ago, just ahead of Week 5, Austin returned to practice. He was a sign that he was nearing a return, as it officially opened his 21-day window to be activated. While he acknowledged his fitness wasn't up to par quite yet, he told reporters that his foot felt good. It's unclear what happened between now and then, but Austin's rookie season is officially lost. Wednesday was the final day for the team to activate him off the IR, which did not happen.
LB T.J. Watt returned to practice today but remains on the Reserve/Injured List.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 26, 2022
The 21-day window to activate WR Calvin Austin III from the Reserve/Injured List has expired. He will remain on the Reserve/Injured List for the remainder of the 2022 season.
In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin didn't sound too optimistic on Austin's prospects of returning. It's unclear whether Austin suffered a setback, or the team just returned him to practice a bit too early. The offense could have used a jolt in the form of a guy like Austin, who had some of the best speed in his draft class.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The Steelers have just one play of 40+ yards this season, one of just three teams with less than two such plays. Austin could have helped in that department one would have to think. His absence also makes it more unlikely for the team to trade wide receiver Chase Claypool, as their depth behind the top three guys is a bit questionable.
How big of a loss is this for the offense? What were your expectations for Austin as a rookie? Did the Steelers handle the whole situation poorly? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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