PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers lost starting wide receiver Calvin Austin III in their Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings. An upper-body injury ended his game early, and the team was hoping to hear some good news about Austin's status after a much-needed bye week.
Instead, the Steelers wide receiver was visibly frustrated when talking to reporters about his injury after a recent practice. When asked about the severity of the injury and timetable for return, Austin did not have a specific answer. Instead, he told the media he was dealing with things day by day while they searched for answers.
“Like I said, take it one day at a time,” he told reporters. “I'll listen to the medical staff and Coach T.”
Will he be placed on the reserved/injured list when he recovers? It's possible, but not guaranteed. There's no use asking Austin, who doesn't understand the team's plans for him while he recovers.
“Oh, yeah, I don't know anything about it,” he said of the possibility of going on IR.
September 7, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Without Calvin Austin III, the Steelers are depleted at wide receiver. It was already a worrying position heading into the season and after their recent win it has reached a new level. The team behind superstar receiver DK Metcalf is a junior varsity team trying to make a splash in the college game. It's a lost cause as veteran special teams players like Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek are asked to play a larger role in the offense.
Trade calls have been high since training camp, with many clamoring to add players when the team sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. A replacement is already in Austin, but injuries now have the Steelers back in the same position, needing depth behind their top target.
Now, calls for help from a wider range of recipients are only growing. Besides Miller and Skowronek, the only option on the 53-man roster is second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson. Behind him are practice squad options like Keshawn Williams and Isaiah Hawkins.
The Steelers don't have long to decide their next move. The trade deadline is still weeks away, so any outside additions will have to be made quickly. Otherwise, they'll be waiting for Austin to return, and it's clear from his recent comments that he won't be available anytime soon.
Be sure to bookmark Steelers on SI for all daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns, and more!