Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III returned to action in Week 8 after missing two games with a shoulder injury, finishing with four receptions for 28 yards in a loss to the Green Bay Packers. While his six targets were second-most on the team, Austin was outshined by second-year wideout Roman Wilson, who led the Steelers with 74 yards and a late touchdown. Wilson's growing involvement will be worth monitoring, but for the time being, Austin remains the team's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. Encouragingly, he played on 78% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, well ahead of Wilson's 46% snap share. Nonetheless, Austin cannot be trusted in most fantasy lineups. He profiles as a boom-or-bust WR4 in an enticing Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Oct 28, 2025 8:46 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was a full participant in practice all week and does not carry an injury designation into a Sunday night showdown with the Green Bay Packers. Operating as the team's WR2, Austin showed flashes of chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the first four weeks of the season. While he's unlikely to outproduce DK Metcalf most weeks, Austin's explosiveness gives him big-play potential in the right matchups. The Packers have been middle-of-the-road against opposing receivers this season, and with this contest carrying a healthy projected point total, Austin could see a bump in usage. He's not quite on the fantasy radar in most formats, but the 26-year-old offers boom-or-bust flex appeal in deeper leagues.
Oct 25, 2025 1:15 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) has missed each of his team's last two games due to a shoulder injury. However, he's been able to log two full practices so far this week and appears to be trending towards returning to the field in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. In four games before getting injured, Austin III recorded 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Upon his return to the lineup, Austin III should slot in as Pittsburgh's WR2 alongside DK Metcalf. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been productive this season, recording 1,270 passing yards and 14 touchdowns across six games. If Rodgers has another big game this week against Green Bay, Austin III could be one of the beneficiaries. In Week 8, Austin III profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
Oct 24, 2025 10:59 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was back in the mix at practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Batko. It's unclear what Austin's official practice status is, but it's good news as he tries to return for a Week 8 contest this Sunday night versus the Green Bay Packers. For what it's worth, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he was optimistic about Austin's chances of playing this week for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 4. In the 26-year-old's absence, DK Metcalf has continued to serve as the clear WR1 in Pittsburgh, with tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington picking up more slack in the passing game. When Austin gets back onto the field on game day, he should resume his role as the Steelers' WR2 after catching 10 of 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in four games. He may need a full practice this week to avoid taking a questionable tag into the Sunday night contest.
Oct 22, 2025 3:33 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder), who has missed the last two games with a shoulder injury, is scheduled to work back into practice this week, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The head coach said he's "optimistic" for Austin potentially returning on Sunday night to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, but as always, his participation in practice will be the guide for whether he plays on Sunday. The 26-year-old wideout might need a full practice at some point this week to be cleared to play this weekend. If he does make his return, he should slot back in as Pittsburgh's WR2 behind DK Metcalf. In his four games this year before his shoulder injury, Austin had 10 catches on 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. With six teams on bye in Week 8, Austin would be in play as at least a WR4/flex in fantasy football if he's able to make his return against the Packers.
Oct 21, 2025 12:45 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his second straight missed game. Before suffering the injury, Austin had started all four contests, recording 10 receptions on 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. In his absence, tight end Darnell Washington has seen an increased target share, while D.K. Metcalf continues to build strong chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers will face a favorable matchup against a Bengals defense ranked 31st overall, giving their passing attack an opportunity to stay productive even without Austin on the field.
Oct 15, 2025 2:41 PM EST
For the second straight day this week, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was a non-participant in practice on Tuesday, according to Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. Austin injured his shoulder in the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland. He had the bye in Week 5 to heal up, but it wasn't enough time, as he was inactive on Sunday in the Week 6 victory over the Cleveland Browns. With a quick week upcoming -- the Steelers play the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night in Week 7 -- it's looking like Austin will miss a second straight game. He will certainly have to practice in some fashion on Wednesday to have a shot at being active on Thursday evening. Fantasy managers should leave Austin on their benches for another week. With Austin out in Week 6, DK Metcalf led the receiving corps, with Darnell Washington coming in second with three catches on five targets for 62 yards.
Oct 14, 2025 5:13 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant on the team's Monday injury report due to a shoulder injury. Pittsburgh did not actually hold a practice, so this is an estimation of Austin III's status heading into the Steelers' Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night. Austin III did not play in Week 6 due to the injury and appears to be at risk of missing a second straight game. The 26-year-old has recorded 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns across four games so far this season. In Austin III's absence in Week 6, Roman Wilson was the only Steelers wide receiver outside of DK Metcalf to record a target.
Oct 13, 2025 9:28 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) is considered questionable to play on Thursday night in Week 7 against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin injured his shoulder in the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in London, but then was unable to play in Sunday's victory over the Cleveland Browns, despite having the Week 5 bye to heal up. The matchup on Thursday will be a good one against Cincy, but it sounds like Austin could be in line to miss a second straight game. If he cannot go this week, his next chance to return will be for a Week 8 contest against the Green Bay Packers. In the 23-9 win over Cleveland in Week 6, DK Metcalf unsurprisingly led Pittsburgh's receiving corps, with Darnell Washington stepping up as the No. 2 with three catches for 62 yards on five targets. If Austin is out again on Thursday, Washington will have some deep-league streaming appeal in a plus matchup.
Oct 13, 2025 1:14 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin was unable to practice for the third straight day on Friday and will need more time to recover from his shoulder injury that he suffered in their Week 4 win over the Vikings. The 26-year-old has been productive when he's played this season, catching 10 of 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in four games. The Steelers' offense has struggled in the early part of the season, and puts D.K. Metcalf as the only wide receiver worth starting against Cleveland in Week 6.
Oct 10, 2025 4:13 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to a shoulder injury. Austin III suffered the injury in Week 4, so it's not a great sign that it's still keeping him out of practice with Pittsburgh coming off a Week 5 bye. The 26-year-old has recorded 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns on 17 targets in four games so far this season. If Austin III is unable to play in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Steelers wideouts Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, and Scotty Miller could all see an uptick in snaps. However, the only Steelers wide receiver that should be on the radar of fantasy managers in Week 6 against Cleveland remains DK Metcalf.
Oct 9, 2025 4:34 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin injured his shoulder in the fourth quarter of their Week 4 win over the Vikings, and it seems to have lingered over their Week 5 bye. Beginning the practice week with a missed practice paints a pessimistic picture of his chances to suit up on Sunday against Cleveland, but he'll have two more opportunities to practice this week. Austin has been a reliable weapon for veteran Aaron Rodgers, catching 10 of 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns. If Austin can play in Week 6, he wouldn't be a recommended start coming off injury against a tough defense.
Oct 8, 2025 4:36 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) will be limited at practice to start the week on Wednesday, but he could do more later in the week, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Austin has been aggressive in his recovery during the team's Week 5 bye, and he's encouraged by his status heading into a Week 6 date against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. The 26-year-old pass-catcher injured his shoulder late in the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland, but he has a chance to play this weekend with the bye coming at the right time for him. Austin has been Pittsburgh's clear No. 2 WR behind DK Metcalf this year, catching 10 of his 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in four games. If he's active in Week 6, Austin will be a risky WR4/flex coming off injury against a strong Browns defense.
Oct 7, 2025 12:39 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) managed just two receptions for 13 yards in a Week 4 victory over the Minnesota Vikings before exiting with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter. Austin was evaluated at a hospital in Dublin, Ireland before heading home for a Week 5 bye. There have been conflicting reports regarding the severity of Austin's injury, but the consensus seems to be that he will miss some time. The 26-year-old had been operating as Pittsburgh's WR2 behind DK Metcalf and displayed encouraging signs of chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There is potential for Austin to become a fantasy contributor later in the season, but it's difficult to justify stashing him through the team's bye in most redraft leagues, especially if he can't be moved to an IR spot.
Sep 30, 2025 3:31 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) injured his shoulder in the Week 4 game in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday and is questionable to return, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. With the Steelers up two scores late in the fourth quarter, it's unlikely that Austin will return to this contest. The 26-year-old injured his shoulder after landing hard on it during a catch early in the fourth quarter. Before the injury, Austin had done very little for fantasy managers on Sunday, catching both of his targets for 13 yards. The good news for Austin is that the Steelers have their bye next week, so if his injury isn't serious, he should be able to suit up for the team's next game on Sunday, Oct. 12, against the division-rival Cleveland Browns at home. UPDATE: Austin was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game.
Sep 28, 2025 12:26 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is off to a promising start this season but faces an uphill battle against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Vikings have been the toughest matchup for opposing wideouts through three games, surrendering just 25 receptions and one touchdown to the position. Austin has only eight catches this year, but he's made the most of them with 126 yards and two scores. His early chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been encouraging, yet he is still far from a reliable fantasy starter. With a low projected point total, Sunday's contest in Ireland isn't the ideal spot to roll the dice on high-upside, low-floor players. Austin remains a worthwhile stash in all leagues but should only be considered as a flex option in the deepest of redraft formats.
Sep 26, 2025 8:56 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in three of his five targets for 54 yards and a touchdown in a 21-14 win over the New England Patriots. Although Austin was quiet in Week 2, his numbers through the first three games of the season are shockingly similar to teammate DK Metcalf's. Metcalf leads the Steelers in targets, but Austin is averaging more yards per reception while building chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He has been on the receiving end of two deep touchdown passes, both thrown by Rodgers with the game on the line. While fantasy managers would be wise to avoid starting him against the stout Minnesota Vikings defense, Austin should be rostered heading into Week 4.
Sep 23, 2025 4:37 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has had a turbulent start to the season but will hope to take advantage of a soft matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 3. New England has struggled to contain opposing wideouts, allowing the second-most fantasy points to the position through two games. While star Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) has a chance to return to the lineup on Sunday, he is likely to focus his attention on DK Metcalf. This could leave Austin open for targets from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with whom he flashed chemistry back in Week 1. The 26-year-old hasn't earned weekly fantasy consideration just yet, but he has some sneaky flex appeal in deeper formats this week.
Sep 19, 2025 8:58 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III was not as productive this past Sunday as he was in Week 1's win over the Jets. However, he was Pittsburgh's leading snap-getter amongst the team's wideouts. Austin III reeled in just 1-of-4 targets for 22 yards in their 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but participated on one more snap than running mate DKMetcalf. Metcalf still paced the team in targets as he did the week prior, but Pittsburgh is throwing it a ton, so there's enough to go around for at least one more pass-catcher. Austin III remains a boom-bust option out wide for now, although he's more intriguing in 2025 than in seasons past. If quarterback Aaron Rodgers can exhibit some consistency, he'll be more useful for fantasy than not.
Sep 15, 2025 11:59 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III will line up against the visiting Seattle Seahawks this Sunday in Week 2. The University of Memphis product will look to build off of his opening weekend performance against a Seahawks defense that yielded the seventh-most passing yards in Week 1. Austin III is an elite deep threat, but has never gotten enough of a target share to make a consistent fantasy impact. That could be changing in 2025, though, as he was the only other Steelers wideout aside from DK Metcalf to record more than ten snaps (45) in their win over the Jets. There could still be some up-and-down weeks here when the team finally gets their ground game going, but the 26-year-old should see a steady stream of targets as long as he holds his current position and has a higher floor than in his previous seasons. Austin III is RotoBaller's PPR WR69 for his outing with Seattle.
Sep 12, 2025 11:22 AM EST