Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — It’s not looking promising for a return to action for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Austin, who is hoping to return soon from a shoulder injury suffered in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, did not practice on Tuesday — the one and only regular practice session of the week for the Steelers as they turn around quickly from their Sunday win over the Cleveland Browns to play the Bengals on Thursday Night Football.
Austin was also listed as a DNP in Monday’s simulated practice report. The Steelers do have a walkthrough scheduled for Wednesday before the team leaves for Cincinnati, but it’s hard to imagine Austin returning to action this week at this point.
That could mean another game for wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams, who was signed from the practice squad before last week’s game.
Other than Austin, the Steelers are also expected to be without strong safety and special teams captain Miles Killebrew, who has already been ruled out. Linebacker Malik Harrison was a limited participant on Tuesday. He remains on the injured reserve list.
Killebrew suffered a non-contact right knee injury while covering a kick for the Steelers against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium in Week 6. Head coach Mike Tomlin called the injury “significant.”
Austin suffered a shoulder injury during the Steelers’ Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. He was transported from Croke Park to a local hospital for testing and returned to Pittsburgh with the team. He missed the team’s Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns and has yet to return to practice.
Harrison suffered a knee injury against the New York Jets in Week 1. He was placed on the injured reserve list on Wednesday, Sept. 10 and by rule must remain there until Week 7. Harrison’s 21-day practice widow was opened on Monday, Oct. 13 and he returned to practice on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Trice suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Friday Night Lights practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium on Aug. 1. He returned to practice in a limited capacity before being placed on the injured reserve list on Aug. 26. By rule, Trice must spend at least four weeks on the injured reserve list. He is eligible to return in Week 6, after the Steelers’ bye, against the Cleveland Browns. Trice will count as one of the team’s eight IR-return designations, whether he actually returns or not.
Thompson suffered a hamstring injury in practice leading up to the Steelers’ Week 1 game against the New York Jets, while playing the role of Justin Fields on the Steelers’ scout team offense. He was dressed against the Jets as the emergency third quarterback, but was placed on the injured reserve list on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and by rule must remain there until Week 7.
