Former Pittsburgh Steelers speedy wide receiver Calvin Austin III started a new chapter in his career this offseason. In March, Austin signed in NFL free agency with the New York Giants.
Unfortunately for Austin, that new chapter could begin with a devastating injury.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Austin left practice on a cart Tuesday. Austin suffered a knee injury, and the initial prognosis is not positive.
“Giants WR Calvin Austin was carted off today from practice with what one source described as a ‘serious knee injury,'” wrote Schefter on X.
Austin started 16 games for the Steelers over the past three seasons. He spent four years in Pittsburgh, the first of which he missed all of because of a foot injury.
Last season, he had 31 receptions, 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns. In 2024, Austin averaged 15.2 yards per reception.
Former Steelers WR Calvin Austin III Suffers Serious Injury: Report
Austin appeared to be trending toward a second contract with the Steelers after the 2024 campaign. He became a favorite deep target of quarterback Russell Wilson that season.
But Austin didn’t gel as well with Aaron Rodgers. Austin also missed three games because of injuries last season.
That led to his departure in March, especially when the Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. just as free agency was starting.
In 48 games with the Steelers, Austin posted 84 catches, 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 13.1 yards per catch.
Austin saved his most memorable moment in black and gold for his final regular season game at Acrisure Stadium. In Week 18, he caught the game-winning touchdown versus the Baltimore Ravens with 55 seconds left. The victory awarded the Steelers the AFC North division title and eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention.
Ironically, Austin joined former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh with the Giants this offseason. Austin’s touchdown might have inadvertently led to Baltimore firing Harbaugh after the 2025 campaign.
Steelers WR Depth Chart to End 2026 Preseason
Austin played with DK Metcalf and Roman Wilson last season. Veteran Ben Skowronek also got some playing time on offense with Austin.
But without the speedy former fourth-rounder, the Steelers receiving corps will look at lot different this season.
Pittman will replace Austin as the team’s WR2. The Steelers also added Germie Bernard in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bernard is a superior prospect compared to what Austin was. The Steelers selected Bernard in the second round, trading up several spots to do so. Pittsburgh grabbed Austin early on Day 3 at No. 138 overall in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hopefully both Austin and the Steelers benefit from what appeared to be a mutual parting this offseason. Pittsburgh seems to be in a good place with its receivers.
For Austin, it’s about avoiding the worst-case scenario and overcoming his initial bad injury prognosis to get on the field this season.
Ex-Steelers Starting WR Suffers ‘Serious’ Injury With Giants: Report