Steelers wide receiver exits Commanders game late after a crucial reception

The Steelers' passing offense has been largely hit or miss. Most of the issues begin on the offensive line which has struggled to protect quarterback Russell Wilson, who has been sacked three times and pressured even more.

Of course, the other aspect is the wide receiver group still playing below the line. Although Mike WIlliams was added in a trade, the group remains thin. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the group has gotten even thinner in the late stages of today's game against the Washington Commanders.

On a 2nd-and-16, Wilson was forced into a scramble drill, initially attacking the left side of the line before circling back to his right. He tossed a pass toward Calvin Austin, who caught the pass in traffic just shy of the line to gain.

While the Steelers were in the huddle, whistles came in to bring Austin out of the game. The third-year receiver out of Memphis was taken into the blue medical tent for further evaluation after displaying signs of a potential concussion.

Austin hasn't been labeled with an official distinction for his injury. He did not return for the remainder of the drive.

While Austin wasn't available, the Steelers were left with no choice but to insert the recently acquired Mike WIlliams, who only had a handful of snaps under his belt deep into the fourth quarter. Thankfully, a go route against the blitz doesn't require much knowledge of the playbook, as Wilson launched a moon ball in his direction which was caught for a go-ahead score.

At the time of his injury, Austin tallied three catches on six targets for 20 yards.

Austin returned to the game with a little over a minute remaining on a 3rd down run. It appears he cleared the protocol and will be available for Pittsburgh moving forward.