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.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday after not practicing at all on Wednesday. Austin should have a pretty good chance at playing this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals if he's able to upgrade even further with a full practice on Friday. The 24-year-old hasn't missed a game for the Steelers all year but hasn't been very involved in what has been a weak offense for the Steelers this year. Austin has racked up only 16 receptions on 27 targets for 170 yards and a touchdown in 11 games played. He's stuck behind George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson II on the receiver depth chart.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (ankle) was unable to practice on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 12 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. "He might be limited some in the early portions of the week," said head coach Mike Tomlin. "We'll let the quality of that, and the amount of that participation be our guide in terms of his availability." The 24-year-old could be truly questionable to play this Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. He hasn't been a fantasy option this year anyway, catching only 16 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. Austin's season-high six receptions came in the season opener and he's gone over 50 receiving yards in a game just once all year.
Calvin Austin III A Deep-League Dart-Throw In Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III saw the field for 90 percent of the team's offensive snaps in Week 4 and should stay involved in a Week 5 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Austin, who broke free for a 72-yard touchdown in Week 3, has demonstrated his explosiveness and big-play potential but has not consistently produced in Pittsburgh's dormant offense. Although Baltimore has surrendered some solid performances to receivers this season, Austin cannot yet be trusted in starting fantasy lineups. The 24-year-old should only be viewed as a desperation flex play in deeper leagues on Sunday.
Calvin Austin III Catches Deep Touchdown In Week 3 Win
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III secured two of his six targets for 72 yards and a touchdown in a Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Austin's first career score came on a deep ball from quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first quarter, but the 24-year-old unfortunately didn't do much with his other opportunities. Although he should continue to see a fair share of targets until Diontae Johnson (hamstring) returns, Austin is currently only an interesting option as a flex in deeper leagues. He'll look to stay involved in a Week 4 bout with the Houston Texans.
Calvin Austin III Expected To See More Playing Time
With Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (hamstring) potentially out up to a month due to hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, second-year wideout Calvin Austin III is expected to see more playing time after spending his entire rookie season on Injured Reserve with a foot injury. "We all know Calvin has top-end speed, he can run past anybody," cornerback Patrick Peterson observed. Austin led the team with six catches for 37 yards in the season opener in what was his NFL debut. He'll work as the outside pass-catcher opposite George Pickens, with Allen Robinson II manning the slot. Austin is absolutely worth plucking off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues if you're already hurting for receiver depth or have Johnson on your roster.
Calvin Austin III Records Six Catches In Regular Season Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III secured all six of his targets for 37 yards in a Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Austin saw an uptick in opportunities after Diontae Johnson (hamstring) was injured in the second half, but the 24-year-old surprisingly received two touches in the first quarter. Even if Johnson were to miss time, Austin would compete for targets with the likes of George Pickens, Allen Robinson II, and Pat Freiermuth. Austin does, however, offer speed that no other player on Pittsburgh's offense can match. Because of this, his utilization will be worth monitoring for fantasy purposes going forward. The second-year man will hope to stay involved against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
