Who Should I Start? Calvin Austin III or Xavier Legette

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.

Saturday, August 9, 3:36 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette was ejected from Friday's preseason game against the Cleveland Browns after a first-quarter altercation. The 24-year-old did not record any catches or targets before being thrown out of the 30-10 loss. Legette was a first-round pick in last year's draft, with a rookie stat line of 49-49-4 on 84 targets. Panthers head coach Dave Canales acknowledged that while the play was physical, Legette's response was a liability. "You can't do that... both guys got ejected, rightfully so," Canales said, per Darin Gantt of panthers.com. The incident occurred while Legette was downfield blocking and got tangled up with Browns cornerback Rayshawn Mitchell. RotoBaller projects Legette as WR69 with a slight uptick in catches, yards, and TDs this season. He is most likely to be behind rookie stud Tetairoa McMillan and veteran Adam Thielen in targets. Still, he could emerge as an upside WR4/5 if anything happens to Thielen as the season progresses.