Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver, Calvin Austin III is nearing a return from injury. The fourth-rounder was placed on Injured Reserve just before the regular season with a foot injury. Now that we are four weeks into the NFL season, he's eligible to come off the IR.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The rookie impressed at training camp in Latrobe, as he made several big plays and got into the endzone on a few instances. Now that he's set to practice on Wednesday, the Steelers now have 21 days to activate him off the IR. If they don't do so within those three weeks, then he's ineligible to return this season. Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweeted out that Austin will practice on Wednesday:
Calvin Austin III confirmed he will practice for the Steelers today
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 5, 2022
The fact that he is practicing is a good indicator that he is close to return. This Sunday, a Week 5 matchup in Buffalo, may be unlikely, but look for him to return in Week 6 potentially. This also comes a day after head coach, Mike Tomlin said that Austin's 21-day period would open up this week. In essence, his official return to practice was coming.
It's unclear as to what kind of role Austin will have on this team. With Kenny Pickett now under center though, the offense should have more rhythm and flow moving forward. Austin's speed will almost certainly be utilized by offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, particularly through the usage of motions and such. Austin will likely come in as the team's No. 4 wide receiver behind the three mainstays in Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and George Pickens.
Elsewhere, he has the opportunity to perhaps earn a role in the return game. Gunner Olszewski has been a disastrous signing thus far, as he's fumbled twice as a punt returner in his first four games. Against his former team, the New England Patriots, the fumble was quite costly and helped change the momentum of the game. In his fumble last weekend against the New York Jets, the Steelers somehow got the ball back.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
With that being said, Tomlin stated Tuesday in his press conference that he is indeed losing confidence in Olszewski. Additionally, he did admit the team may look elsewhere for the return duties, which would all but end Olszewski's tenure in Pittsburgh as he's provided nothing offensively. Steven Sims is currently listed as the backup kick and punt returner on the team's depth chart, but Austin could compete with those two for an opportunity.
Austin's development this season will be crucial to how the team goes about things next off-season. Many have already predicted the team may move on from Claypool, who continues to underwhelm, despite his immense size and talent. Either way, it'll be a welcome sight to have Austin back.
Yinz, what are your expectations for Austin when he does return? Should he get an opportunity as the team's return man? Or should Olszewski/Sims be the returner, while the rookie develops? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below!
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