Steelers' Potential WR3 Calvin Austin III "Impressed" With Himself During Off-Season Rehab

You certainly will not hear Steeler Nation complaining about production coming out of the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver position, but how scary is it to think it could have been even better had our roster been at full health. Just two rounds after the Steelers selected rookie George Pickens out of the University of Georgia, the front office decided to double down on the position, selecting the speedy Calvin Austin III with their 138th pick in hopes of revamping the receiver room after losing JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency.

Although the impact fellow rookie Pickens had on this season was obvious, the same cannot be said about Austin’s overall production, as the rookie spent the entire season on the Reserve/Injured list with a foot injury suffered in training camp. Unfortunately, no part of Steeler Nation was able to witness just how his 4.32 40-yard dash time speed can translate onto the football field since the injury occurred before the Steelers' first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. 

After returning from his foot injury in October, the Steelers' fourth round pick from the University of Memphis opted for season-ending foot surgery in order to fully heal, which meant he never saw himself activated to the final 53-man roster throughout the entirety of this past year. In most cases, not being on the field can lead to digression in the particular player's development into a solid NFL player, especially when that particular player happens to be a rookie. Austin, on the other hand, spoke with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com about how he has had a different mindset on how his 2022 season played out.

STEELERS WR CALVIN AUSTIN lll ON HIS 2022 SEASON

"One of the benefits was I continued to go to practice and attend meetings," said Austin. "My head was still there. I just couldn't get the physical aspect done. When I went back out there, I was impressed with myself. I was excited and hoping to help the team."

"Of course, I didn't get those game reps that are very much needed and valuable, but as far as my mindset, that's probably the biggest thing for rookies. The physical aspect of it is important, but the mental is one thing that can really slow rookies in their development. I feel as though I have a good grip on that. I feel like next season, that I'll be right there with them."

After successfully overcoming a foot injury as a rookie, Austin’s next big challenge is going to be to take what he learned, as far as the mental side of the NFL game goes, and add that to his repertoire in hopes of becoming a successful wide receiver for many years to come. Known for being a potential dynamic threat downfield, he essentially brings to this offense what they were missing last season. The Steelers have certainly done their fair share of surrounding what now seems to be their franchise quarterback in Kenny Pickett with an endless amount of weapons and adding Austin’s abilities to an already loaded offense, it doesn't sound like anyone in the Steelers' organization expects more than winning for this upcoming season:

"With Coach Mike Tomlin, he is always a guy that, the train isn't going to stop moving," said Austin. "When we step onto this field, we're always about getting better and growing. I would imagine that's what his mindset is, and that's what my mindset is for myself."

For a rookie, he seems to have the right mindset, especially for not playing football for an entire year. We did just see the Steelers trade away Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears this past season, and our offense under offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, was struggling to find a third receiver to pair up with the two stars they have now in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. I believe it is expected that Austin will have a bigger role than we expect come Week 1 in 2023.

Do you think the Steelers will utilize Calvin Austin lll now that he is at their disposal in 2023? Comment below!

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