Steelers: Dynamic weapon could take offense to newer heights
The Pittsburgh Steelers added speed to their wide receiver room when they selected Calvin Austin in the fourth round out of Memphis. Unfortunately, Austin suffered a foot injury in August and was placed on the reserve/injured list on September 1. This meant that Austin would have to miss the first four games of the season. […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers added speed to their wide receiver room when they selected Calvin Austin in the fourth round out of Memphis. Unfortunately, Austin suffered a foot injury in August and was placed on the reserve/injured list on September 1.
This meant that Austin would have to miss the first four games of the season. However, Austin practiced for the first time since his injury designation on Wednesday which kicked off his 21-day practice window.
If Austin isn't added to the active roster during that time frame he will be put on the reserve/injured list for the remainder of the season.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke on Austin's return during a press conference on Tuesday.
"He's eligible to come off this week. That starts his 21-day window," Tomlin said. "You get an opportunity to start the 21-day window to practice and make judgements from there. The quality of his work and what he's able to do within that window oftentimes determines what you do from there."
Austin's speed is one thing, but when you factor in how he can stop on a dime and change directions without slowing down, it makes him incredibly difficult to defend. With his size at 5'8 and 170 pounds, most would label him as just a slot receiver on the NFL level, but Austin's mastery of the route tree and separation skills make him more than capable of producing as an outside weapon.
After his first practice since August, Austin was giddy about being back on the gridiron.
"It felt great. It's almost like it's a new season how long it's been," Austin said. "Just to get back out there, run, participate in individual, team, be out there with the guys and compete and work with them. This is what I do. I love football."
Austin will join a talented Steelers receiving group that also features Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and fellow rookie George Pickens if all goes well over the next several weeks. It'll be an early Christmas present for rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett if that's the case seeing as he is now the starter going forward after seeing his first action last Sunday against the New York Jets.
Feature image via Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
