The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are trading blows in Week 1, but have the Steelers just found their legitimate WR2 for the 2025 season? As the first-half winds down, the Pittsburgh Steelers trail the New York Jets by two points, but Pittsburgh has scored 17.
It's been a very strong offensive showing for Aaron Rodgers in his Steelers' debut, and there is obviously huge reason for Rodgers to play his tail off. He's in a hostile environment, playing against his former team.
Rodgers played for the Jets in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and it was a short period to forget. Well, one of the biggest issues for the Steelers this offseason was who their WR2 was going to be next to DK Metcalf, and while it's only Week 1, the Steelers may have found him.
Calvin Austin III looks every bit of a WR2 right now for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers is 11/14 for 159 yards and two touchdowns, and even Justin Fields is passing the ball well against his former team. However, the big story here is Calvin Austin III. He's got two receptions for 51 yards and is making plays for the team in Week 1.
He did have 548 receiving yards in his second year in the NFL, so some have wondered if this third season is going to be where the young WR finally puts it all together and breaks out.
Aaron Rodgers back shoulder throw to Calvin Austin
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/z7EE8u5B1m
Calvin Austin III breaking out and turning into the WR2 the Steelers need him to be would truly unlock this offseason, as if it doesn't happen, DK Metcalf is going to get a ton of action, and opposing defenses will key in on him and begin to take him away in the passing game.
With how limited Aaron Rodgers is as a QB in terms of using his legs, he'll need a plethora of receiving options, and while it's only Week 1, Calvin Austin III seems to be the WR2 that the Steelers have been missing.