Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is dealing with a minor abdominal muscle injury, multiple sources confirmed to Steelers Now.
Austin has been out of practice for several days and missed the team’s first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Mike Tomlin said last week that he expected Austin to return to practice soon, and the injury is not expected to impact his readiness for the start of the regular season at this time, sources confirmed to SN.
“He’ll be perking back up here soon, I’d imagine,” Tomlin said last Wednesday. The team’s final full practice of training camp at St. Vincent College is scheduled for Tuesday.
Austin’s absence from practice, and Tomlin’s vagueness in describing his injury has led to rampant speculation that Austin might be missing practice for another reason — another hold out.
While Austin is entering the final season of his contract, Austin’s agent, Rodney Williams, confirmed to SN that the only reason he is not practicing right now is his injury. Austin previously participated in all of the team’s other offseason programs before the injury.
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.
Reports on social media about legal issues surrounding Austin also surfaced this week. Austin was cited by Baldwin Police in May for failure to control his dog, which allegedly attacked another animal without provocation. If found guilty, Austin faces a total of $800 in fines from that incident. A summary trial is scheduled in front of magistrate Ralph Kaiser in Baldwin on Sept. 8. Even if Austin would be found guilty of the summary offense, it would not fall under the league’s personal conduct policy.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Sources: Steelers WR Calvin Austin III Dealing with Abdominal Muscle Injury
