Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III caught four of his five targets for 65 yards during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, the Steelers called upon Austin to be one of their primary pass-catchers for the second week in a row. Over his last two games combined, he now has nine catches for 130 yards through the air. Austin's big-play upside gives him decent fantasy appeal, but Pickens' potential return on Christmas Day would knock Austin off the fantasy radar once again. Fantasy managers hoping to plug in Austin as a WR3/FLEX play in Week 17 should continue to monitor the Steelers' injury reports.
Dec 22, 2024 8:14 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw an expanded role in last week's loss and will hope to do more with his opportunities in a Week 16 clash with the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has been decimated by wide receivers all season, surrendering the second-most fantasy points to the position. Because Pittsburgh will again be without wideout George Pickens (hamstring), Austin should operate as a top option in the passing game after playing on 81% of offensive snaps and tallying 65 receiving yards in Week 15. He certainly has upside in this matchup, but Austin's utilization has been far too inconsistent to trust in him in most fantasy formats. The 25-year-old can be viewed as a desperation flex option in deeper leagues on Saturday.
Dec 20, 2024 12:18 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III logged five receptions for 65 yards on five targets in a 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Austin's yardage total may not look all that impressive out of context, but he accounted for nearly 40% of Pittsburgh's offensive yards on Sunday. He was on the receiving end of the Steelers' longest gain of the day, hauling in a 31-yard dime from quarterback Russell Wilson in the third quarter. While Austin's role has been inconsistent this season, he is the team's most explosive playmaker with George Pickens (hamstring) injured. If Pickens is unable to return against the Baltimore Ravens next week, Austin will be on the fantasy radar as a flex option in deeper leagues.
Dec 15, 2024 10:35 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin is not a reliable fantasy option for Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though fellow receiver George Pickens (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday, Austin isn't a leading candidate to claim the bulk of his vacated opportunities. For proof, look no further than last Sunday when Pickens was sidelined and Austin still played just 35 percent of the offensive snaps, catching one pass for four yards. Rather than looking to Austin to fill in for Pickens, managers seeking FLEX production in deep leagues may be better off adding someone like Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, or Mike Williams. Austin should be benched in most formats ahead of Sunday, especially as he takes on an Eagles defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers in 2024.
Dec 14, 2024 9:52 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in just one of his four targets for four yards in a 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. Austin was questionable earlier in the week due to a concussion he suffered in Week 13 but managed to clear the league's protocols and suit up on Sunday. However, he failed to make much of an impact, even with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined. Austin, who has four touchdowns this season, has flashed potential as a vertical threat but has not been nearly consistent enough to warrant weekly consideration for fantasy purposes. With Mike Williams getting more involved this week, Austin is only worth rostering in deeper dynasty formats ahead of a Week 15 clash with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Dec 8, 2024 7:18 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Austin has been cleared of concussion symptoms and will suit up on Sunday. Over the last two games, Austin has five receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old has been a boom-or-bust option throughout the season and that will remain true for Week 14. It's worth noting that fellow wideout George Pickens (hamstring) is banged up, but is expected to play. If Pickens sits, Austin would have increased fantasy value, but for now he'll be a boom-or-bust flex option for Week 14.
Dec 8, 2024 10:45 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) is good to go for Sunday's divisional tilt against the Cleveland Browns, according to Chris Adamski of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Austin entered concussion protocol following their Week 13 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin opened the week as a limited participant but quickly upgraded to full participation on Thursday. Austin has found the back of the end zone in each of his past two contests after tallying just 19 yards during Weeks 10 and 11. Overall, the sophomore wideout has averaged 36.0 receiving yards per game since Week 6 and should be viewed as a risky flex option in deeper formats facing a Cleveland secondary that has allowed the ninth-most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
Dec 6, 2024 1:14 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) logged a full practice on Thursday afternoon. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old as he was a limited participant on Wednesday. However, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress on Friday as he will need to pass the league's concussion protocol before returning to action. The sophomore wideout sustained this concussion during their victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend. Austin found the back of the end zone for the second straight contest in this game. Over his previous five games, Austin has averaged 36.0 yards per game with 9.4 PPR points per game. If he can suit up to face the Cleveland Browns this weekend, he should be viewed as a risky flex option in deeper 14+ team formats.
Dec 5, 2024 4:09 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the Week 13 win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Austin is now up in the air to be available to play in Week 14 when the team takes on the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old scored for the second straight week on Sunday against the Bengals before suffering his head injury, finishing with two catches for 29 yards. The previous week, he caught all three of his targets for 78 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Cleveland. If he's cleared by an independent neurologist later this week to play on Sunday, Austin will be a boom/bust WR4/flex, at best, for fantasy managers in deeper leagues. If Austin is out in Week 14, it will open up more snaps for Van Jefferson as the WR2 behind George Pickens in Pittsburgh.
Dec 3, 2024 12:22 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was initially listed as questionable upon exiting midway through Sunday's game. Austin finishes the contest with two catches for 29 yards and one touchdown. Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek should see additional opportunities in the passing game with Austin sidelined.
Dec 1, 2024 3:20 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (head) is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return on Sunday. The speedy wideout took a few big hits but didn't have to leave the game until the third quarter. Van Jefferson and Mike Williams will have to step up alongside George Pickens to fill in the gap. The backfield could get more involved in the passing game as well.
Dec 1, 2024 3:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has only 20 catches for 354 yards and three touchdowns this season. However, two of those scores have come in the last four games. George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth are still the top receiving options in Pittsburgh. Yet, Austin has some value in the deepest of fantasy leagues against a horrendous Bengals defense on Sunday. Of course, he's a very risky fantasy option, and his success from a production standpoint is contingent on whether he finds the end zone.
Nov 30, 2024 4:00 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III logged three receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on three targets in a Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He was a bright spot for a Pittsburgh offense that otherwise struggled on Thursday night. He made an impact early on by catching a 46-yard deep ball in the second quarter that set up an eventual field goal. Austin's third touchdown of the campaign, a 23-yard strike over the middle of the field, was quarterback Russell Wilson's first touchdown pass in nearly eight quarters and gave Pittsburgh a 19-18 lead with just over six minutes remaining. The 25-year-old has flashed some potential this season working opposite George Pickens. While he is not on the fantasy radar in most redraft formats, Austin is worth stashing in deeper dynasty leagues. A matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals is on tap for Week 12.
Nov 22, 2024 11:32 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw a season-high six targets during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Sadly, Austin was only able to haul in two of those six targets for 20 yards. It was nice to see Austin getting more targets in the offense, but that might not remain the case for long. Newly acquired wideout Mike Williams figures to have a bigger role in Week 11 after making his team debut last week. Austin has struggled throughout most of the season, so fantasy managers shouldn't take the risk and keep him on the bench until he gives reason to start him.
Nov 17, 2024 10:00 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III remains involved in the passing game during the 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders. He received six targets in this contest but only ended up with two receptions for 20 yards. Russell Wilson's accuracy left a bit to be desired in this game and newly-acquired Mike Williams got involved with a touchdown catch as well. Austin continues to be a boom-or-bust type of player that holds a bit more value in deeper leagues. He'll try to break loose against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
Nov 11, 2024 9:38 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III recorded three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown on four targets in a Week 8 win against the New York Giants. He also returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, the first trip to the end zone for either team. Austin's offensive utilization has been limited throughout the season but he has shown an ability to make big plays with his speed. His second receiving score of the year came on a beautiful deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson early in the fourth quarter. While he can't be trusted for fantasy purposes right now, Austin has the potential to establish himself as the WR2 in Pittsburgh and could be worth a look on waivers in deeper formats. The third-year pro will have a bye in Week 9 before traveling to Washington to take on the Commanders in Week 10.
Oct 29, 2024 12:31 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III shined with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Austin showed true potential as a WR2 for the Steelers, especially with Van Jefferson (eye) missing most of the contest. He trailed only George Pickens in targets with five and flashed his impressive speed when taking a short pass from quarterback Justin Fields 55 yards to the end zone for his first score of the season. Most fantasy managers should monitor Austin's involvement in the coming weeks, but he could be an intriguing waiver-wire addition immediately in deeper leagues. He'll look to carry some positive momentum into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Sep 22, 2024 5:14 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III managed two receptions for 49 yards on three targets in a preseason loss to the Houston Texans. All of Austin's opportunities came with Kyle Allen at quarterback. The pair nearly connected for a touchdown in the second quarter, but the ball was poorly thrown and Austin failed to haul it in. The 25-year-old wideout was much sharper in the second half, creating plenty of separation for deep completions of 24 and 25 yards. Although veteran Van Jefferson has reportedly had an excellent training camp, Austin could carve out a role for himself in a receiver room that is highly suspect outside of George Pickens. Austin will hope to stand out again in next Saturday's contest against the Buffalo Bills.
Aug 10, 2024 12:54 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III carried his impressive performance from OTAs and minicamp into training camp. A 2022 fourth-round pick, Austin missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury and saw limited action last year, with just 30 targets and 11 carries. At 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, Austin is among the smallest players in the league, but the Steelers are giving him opportunities to play both inside and outside. He has demonstrated versatility by excelling in these roles, effectively handling short and deep routes and impacting various route types. Since the start of the year, Austin has been the team's second-best receiver, and nothing in the past week has altered that status. If he can outperform Van Jefferson and rookie third-round pick Roman Wilson for the second wide receiver spot, he could emerge as a valuable sleeper heading into 2024 fantasy drafts.
Jul 30, 2024 9:25 AM EST