The Pittsburgh Steelers won’t have Calvin Austin III on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. But as head coach Mike Tomlin likes to say, one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity. To help replace Austin, the Steelers have elevated undrafted rookie wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams from their practice squad.
Williams will dress for the first time in his NFL career.
The wideout went undrafted out of Indiana this past spring. In his last college season, he posted 39 catches for 448 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
During the 2025 NFL draft process, Williams received praise for his running after the catch ability.
“Box-score scouting doesn’t give enough insight into what Williams can bring to the table. He has a limited catch radius but his toughness and hand strength help make up for it,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. “He can run short and intermediate routes as a possession slot receiver but tends to shine when he’s allowed catch-and-run opportunities, where he’s proven very difficult to bring down.
“Williams is highly competitive and offers kick and punt return potential to enrich his chances of making a roster.”
During his college career, which started at Wake Forest, Williams also returned kickoffs and a few punts.
Steelers Elevate WR Ke’Shawn Williams With Calvin Austin III Out
The Steelers have promoted Williams for Week 6 with Austin already ruled out for the matchup.
Austin suffered a shoulder injury during Week 4. He’s avoided injured reserve despite initial reports that the ailment was significant. Austin, though, didn’t practice at all this week, and the Steelers listed him as “out” on their Friday injury report.
The 26-year-old, fourth-year receiver started the first four games opposite DK Metcalf this season. He registered 10 catches for 139 yards with two touchdowns.
Williams could play a role in replacing Austin. Former 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson is expected to see more opportunities as well.
The Steelers also have veteran wideouts Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek on the active roster.
In Arthur Smith’s offense, though, there’s always a good chance the Steelers run more plays with multiple tight ends and only one receiver.
Could Williams Also Return Kickoffs, Punts?
Without Austin, the Steelers will also be missing their starting punt returner in Week 6.
Austin hasn’t made much of an impact on the punt return team this season. But last year, he had 289 return yards, averaging 10.3 yards per return. Austin took one punt back for a touchdown against the New York Giants.
Williams could fill that role for the Steelers in Week 6. But he had more experience as a kickoff returner in college.
Williams averaged 20 yards per return in five college seasons. With Wake Forest in 2022, he posted 235 return yards on 12 attempts.
Over five college seasons, Williams returned four punts. He averaged 18 yards per return. Williams returned two punts for 36 yards total with Indiana last season.
The Steelers will host the Browns at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff will occur at 1 pm ET.
Then on October 16, the Steelers will visit the Cincinnati Bengals for Thursday Night Football. With the quick turnaround, Austin may not play in either game, potentially giving Williams two chances to make an impression.
Steelers Promote Competitive ‘Catch-and-Run’ WR for NFL Debut vs. Browns