Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III worked off to the side at Monday’s practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Austin, who missed the first two preseason games, has been dealing with a minor abdominal muscle injury over the last two weeks. Monday marked the first time that Austin’s been in a helmet since the injury.
“Whenever Coach T pulls his trigger and talks to (head athletic trainer) Gabe [Amponsah] and everybody. I’ll be back out there,” Austin said in regard to when he’ll be a full participant.
Austin said working off to the side on Monday was a part of his recovery plan.
“It was the plan with the medical staff. It was just the timeline,” he said.
The Memphis native feels like he’s on track to getting back on the field soon. He’s not sure if it will be against the New York Jets in Week 1, however. He’ll leave that up to the medical staff and head coach Mike Tomlin.
“I’m right on point. I feel like I’m right on the correct timeline of things,” he said.
“Whatever the medical staff and Coach T say, I’m going to follow that.”
Austin was the team’s third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He missed his entire rookie season with injury, but has come on strong recently. After catching 17 passes for 180 yards in 2023, Austin broke out for 36 catches, 548 yards and four touchdowns last season.
This year, Austin is expected to be the team’s No. 2 wide receiver, behind DK Metcalf, a role that could see another increase in targets for the speedy receiver. Austin is also the Steelers’ starting punt returner. He ran one kick back for a touchdown last season, and Tomlin said he wants Austin back in that role for 2025.
“It’s very frustrating,” Austin said about the time missed. “I mean, (missing) practice, and you know, new team, new year. Not being out there is just never fun. Just trying to stay engage and locked in.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Calvin Austin III Makes Positive Step in Rehab: ‘I’m Right on Point’
