JuJu Smith-Schuster isn't the only former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver who received some devastating news while on the New York Giants. Recently, the Giants released JuJu to make room for former Steelers running back Najee Harris on the roster. But former Steelers draft pick Calvin Austin III just received worse news.
During a Giants practice on Tuesday, Austin went down with a knee injury that appeared to be serious and was carted off the field. The prognosis was concerning. On Wednesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that Austin suffered an ACL tear.
His 2026 season is done before it ever got started.
Austin was searching for greener pastures in New York after signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Giants. After suffering through Matt Canada- and Arthur Smith-led offenses since coming into the league in 2022, Austin hoped to finally see a breakout season on his new team. Schefter noted that Austin was primed to replace Wan'Dale Robinson, who spurned New York for the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
Sadly, Austin's season-ending knee injury is a major setback, and the former Steelers' NFL career could now be on the line.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Calvin Austin's season-ending knee injury could derail his NFL career
You hate to see this kind of news about anyone—especially a player like Austin. The 2022 fourth-round pick did some great things for the Steelers during his four-year tenure in Pittsburgh. Austin was routinely at the mercy of questionable play-calling and subpar quarterback play.
Ironically, Austin's injury follows the same path as teammate Najee Harris—who, during his first year after leaving the Steelers, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
It's hard to tell exactly what Austin's role would have been if he stuck around on the roster. Malik Nabers is firmly established as the team's No. 1 wideout, so the undersized receiver was competing with players like Darius Slayton, Darnell Mooney, and rookie Malachi Fields. It even looks like Odell Beckham Jr. might stick around to mount his NFL comeback.
Austin, 27, spent his entire rookie season in 2022 on injured reserve with a foot injury. Over the past three seasons with the Steelers, he recorded 84 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns.
Austin is likely to be placed on New York's Reserve/Injured list. He's on a one-year deal, so he may be forced to look for a new team again next year.
Coming off ACL surgery, the speedy receiver may lose some of the juice to his game that can make him an asset to stretch the field or as a punt returner. On top of that, he will be 28 years old and a full year removed from NFL action.
Calvin Austin will no doubt work hard to get back on the field next offseason and hopefully sign with a new team. Sadly, his NFL career now hangs by a thread, and the former Steelers receiver is not guaranteed a spot on any team's final roster once he returns to full health sometime in 2027.
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