Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers are a focused and determined bunch. From the moment training camp began, their intentions were clear: Super Bowl or bust. Every move, every rep, and every adjustment this year has been made with one goal in mind — to bring another Lombardi Trophy back to Pittsburgh.
The early Week 5 bye provided much-needed rest, and the coaching staff used that time wisely to reset and refocus. But sometimes, rest doesn’t heal everything. As the Steelers prepare for a key Week 6 divisional showdown against the Cleveland Browns, a cloud of uncertainty looms over their offense — and it has everything to do with wide receiver Calvin Austin III.
The former fourth-round pick out of Memphis has been quietly vital to Arthur Smith’s offensive system, even if he doesn’t fully realize how much his presence means just yet. Through the first four games, Austin has hauled in 10 receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns, providing an essential spark in the slot.
His speed and separation ability have given Aaron Rodgers a reliable safety valve, especially on quick routes and play-action reads.
Rodgers has targeted Austin 17 times this season — already half of his total targets from his rookie campaign. That growing chemistry between the two has been one of the underappreciated storylines in Pittsburgh’s early success. Unfortunately, it’s now in jeopardy.
Austin suffered an upper-body injury during the Steelers’ Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. What seemed at first like a minor issue has turned into a genuine concern.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' front office must be proactive when dealing with Calvin Austin III's injury
Austin didn't rule out the possibility of landing on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games — a blow that Pittsburgh’s offense can hardly afford.
When asked about his recovery, Austin stayed optimistic but realistic.
“Like I said, just taking it one day at a time,” he told reporters, via Pittsburgh Steelers on SI. “I’ll listen to the medical staff and Coach T.”
As for a potential IR designation? “I have no clue about that,” Austin admitted.
That uncertainty says it all. The Steelers’ front office will need to keep a close eye on his progress because losing Austin could derail what little balance Pittsburgh’s offense has found.
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So far this season, DK Metcalf (261 yards), Jaylen Warren (142), and Calvin Austin III (139) make up the Steelers’ top three receiving threats. The next man up, tight end Jonnu Smith, has just 71 yards on 14 receptions. Beyond that, there’s a steep drop-off.
Relying on Ben Skowronek or Roman Wilson to fill Austin’s shoes simply isn’t a viable long-term plan. Neither has shown the consistency or explosiveness needed to complement Metcalf and stretch defenses.
If Austin does end up on injured reserve, Pittsburgh must act quickly — and aggressively. The Steelers can’t allow their offense to stagnate midway through the season while waiting for their young receiver to heal. Signing a veteran wideout who can provide immediate production should be at the top of their priority list.
Because in a year where expectations are sky-high, the Steelers can’t afford to lose a hidden gem like Calvin Austin III — not when every weapon matters in their pursuit of a championship.