Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw a season-high six targets during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Sadly, Austin was only able to haul in two of those six targets for 20 yards. It was nice to see Austin getting more targets in the offense, but that might not remain the case for long. Newly acquired wideout Mike Williams figures to have a bigger role in Week 11 after making his team debut last week. Austin has struggled throughout most of the season, so fantasy managers shouldn't take the risk and keep him on the bench until he gives reason to start him.
Calvin Austin III Receives Six Targets Against Commanders
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III remained involved in the passing game during the 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders. He received six targets in this contest but only ended up with two receptions for 20 yards. Quarterback Russell Wilson's accuracy left a bit to be desired in this game, and newly-acquired receiver Mike Williams got involved with a touchdown catch as well. Austin continues to be a boom-or-bust type of player that holds a bit more value in deeper leagues. He'll try to break loose against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III recorded three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown on four targets in a Week 8 win against the New York Giants. He also returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, the first trip to the end zone for either team. Austin's offensive utilization has been limited throughout the season but he has shown an ability to make big plays with his speed. His second receiving score of the year came on a beautiful deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson early in the fourth quarter. While he can't be trusted for fantasy purposes right now, Austin has the potential to establish himself as the WR2 in Pittsburgh and could be worth a look on waivers in deeper formats. The third-year pro will have a bye in Week 9 before traveling to Washington to take on the Commanders in Week 10.
Calvin Austin III Has Career-Best Performance Against Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III shined with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Austin showed true potential as a WR2 for the Steelers, especially with Van Jefferson (eye) missing most of the contest. He trailed only George Pickens in targets with five and flashed his impressive speed when taking a short pass from quarterback Justin Fields 55 yards to the end zone for his first score of the season. Most fantasy managers should monitor Austin's involvement in the coming weeks, but he could be an intriguing waiver-wire addition immediately in deeper leagues. He'll look to carry some positive momentum into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Calvin Austin III Leads Steelers In Receiving Against Houston
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III managed two receptions for 49 yards on three targets in a preseason loss to the Houston Texans. All of Austin's opportunities came with Kyle Allen at quarterback. The pair nearly connected for a touchdown in the second quarter, but the ball was poorly thrown and Austin failed to haul it in. The 25-year-old wideout was much sharper in the second half, creating plenty of separation for deep completions of 24 and 25 yards. Although veteran Van Jefferson has reportedly had an excellent training camp, Austin could carve out a role for himself in a receiver room that is highly suspect outside of George Pickens. Austin will hope to stand out again in next Saturday's contest against the Buffalo Bills.
Calvin Austin III Continues Strong Performance Into Training Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III carried his impressive performance from OTAs and minicamp into training camp. A 2022 fourth-round pick, Austin missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury and saw limited action last year, with just 30 targets and 11 carries. At 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, Austin is among the smallest players in the league, but the Steelers are giving him opportunities to play both inside and outside. He has demonstrated versatility by excelling in these roles, effectively handling short and deep routes and impacting various route types. Since the start of the year, Austin has been the team's second-best receiver, and nothing in the past week has altered that status. If he can outperform Van Jefferson and rookie third-round pick Roman Wilson for the second wide receiver spot, he could emerge as a valuable sleeper heading into 2024 fantasy drafts.
If there is one wide receiver besides George Pickens who has a chance to have a big role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense this year, it's wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Austin continued to get better from the first day to the last during offseason workouts and will have a chance for a much bigger role this year with Diontae Johnson now in Carolina. In addition, receiver/running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson could have a key role as a gadget player on offense for Pittsburgh in 2024. The 25-year-old Austin will be competing with Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, Scott Miller and rookie third-rounder Roman Wilson for the No. 2 job behind Pickens in training camp. He caught only 17 of his 30 targets for 180 yards and a touchdown while also carrying the ball 11 times for 57 yards and a score in 17 games last year. Austin is one to watch this summer.
The Athletic's Mark Kaboly writes that the No. 2 wide receiver spot for the Pittsburgh Steelers is currently wide open. Quez Watkins, Calvin Austin III, Marquez Callaway and Van Jefferson could all be competing for the job this summer at training camp if the team doesn't add a legitimate No. 2 receiver via trade before then. Austin could be the most consistent of the group, but rookie Roman Wilson also can't be counted out for now because of his quickness. George Pickens is the team's unquestioned top wideout this year after the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Because of the lack of clarity beyond Pickens right now, tight end Pat Freiermuth, who has already developed notable chemistry with new quarterback Russell Wilson, could be one to watch for a breakout season.
Calvin Austin III Finds End Zone In Postseason Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauled in one of his two targets for a seven-yard touchdown in the team's wild-card round loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 24-year-old did not see much utilization on Monday but made the most of his opportunities. His score came early in the fourth quarter on a short pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph to pull the Steelers within seven points of Buffalo's lead. Although Austin did not make an impact for fantasy purposes this season, he flashed at times and could be given an expanded role in his second professional campaign. Austin is worth a look as a stash in deep dynasty formats.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (ankle) practiced in full on Friday and is set to play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. Since Diontae Johnson's return in Week 7, Austin has not seen more than two targets in a contest and has played on significantly fewer offensive snaps. He should continue to handle punt return duties for Pittsburgh but will not be on the fantasy radar with the rest of the team's receiving corps healthy.
Calvin Austin III
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Steelers
