Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Tory Horton

Tuesday, August 12, 3:16 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) has been dealing with a minor abdominal muscle issue, sources told Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. According to Austin's agent, it is the only reason that he has not been practicing with the team at training camp. Austin has missed practice for several days and didn't play in last week's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Mike Tomlin said he expects Austin to return to practice soon, and his injury isn't expected to impact his readiness for Week 1 of the regular season. He's entering the final year of his current deal, but his agent, Rodney Williams, confirmed that his client isn't holding out. If healthy, the 26-year-old is the favorite for WR2 duties in Pittsburgh in 2025 behind DK Metcalf, although that role isn't expected to yield much volume for what should be a run-first offense.

Friday, August 8, 8:22 AM

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton had an impressive preseason debut on Thursday night, catching three passes for 31 yards and a touchdown, as the Seahawks and Raiders played to a 23-23 tie at Lumen Field. The rookie from Colorado State was a fifth-round pick but has been breaking out in camp, and he caught the Seahawks' second score of the game in the second quarter on a 10-yard pass from Drew Lock. Horton was viewed as a great value on Day 3 of the draft, and he's already firmly in the mix to be the team's third receiver behind starters Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, who was added as a free agent. Horton's draft stock will surely be on the rise after this preseason showing, and he'll continue to climb draft boards. He's a great depth pickup if you can get him as a value, but Seattle does have two strong receivers ahead of him on the depth chart, which could keep his early-season production in check.