Steelers Fans Receive Alarming News As Calvin Austin's Injury Could Be A Bigger Issue

The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver room once again takes center stage heading into the 2025 NFL season. DK Metcalf is going to be tasked with carrying the bulk of the work and heavy lifting for this group. Calvin Austin III and second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson will need to step up in a big way in 2025 to help elevate this unit. Many pundits believe the Steelers' passing attack has enough weapons. However, health is starting to worry fans early.

For the Steelers' passing attack to be reliable, the wide receivers not only have to produce on the field, but also stay healthy throughout the season. Unfortunately for the Steelers, Austin has been battling an injury and has not practiced in quite some time.

Now 11 days into the month, Steelers insider Mike DeFabo revealed that Austin is still unable to return to practice. This lingering absence raises concerns about the team’s depth and offensive balance. While Metcalf is an elite talent, defenses will key in on him if the Steelers’ secondary receivers can’t stay on the field. Austin’s speed and versatility are crucial to stretching the defense and opening opportunities for both Metcalf and the running game.

The situation has the fan base uneasy, as the wide receiver position has already been a talking point all offseason. The Steelers invested heavily in strengthening their offense, and losing a key contributor like Austin for an extended period could undo some of that progress. 

With the regular season rapidly approaching, the team is hoping Austin’s recovery accelerates, allowing him to get back on the field and build chemistry with the rest of the offense before Week 1.

Austin has continued to impress the Steelers' fan base when he’s been healthy. The injury concern is mild with Austin, but he has been forced to miss time in the past. The hope is that his absence from these camp practices is more precautionary than anything serious. However, with all the new faces in Pittsburgh, it’s pivotal that he gets on the field and continues building chemistry with Aaron Rodgers.

Austin recorded 36 catches for 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the 2024 season. He also stood out with his ability to return punts and kicks, adding another layer of value to the roster. Many expect Austin to take another step forward in 2025, but his health will be critical. Getting him healthy and back on the field remains the top concern for Steelers fans at the moment.

Steelers Might Have Best Tight End Room In The Entire League For 2025 Season

The Steelers also have a strong tight end room featuring Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Those three should help relieve some of the pressure on the team’s second and third wide receivers, providing additional reliable targets for Rodgers and helping to keep the offense balanced.

Their ability to work the middle of the field, draw coverage, and make contested catches will not only give Rodgers high-percentage throws, but also open space for the receivers to create big plays downfield. Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has a lot of ingredients. Now the pressure is on him and Head Coach Mike Tomlin to cook.

Are you starting to get concerned in any way, shape or form about Austin missing so much time in training camp? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and toss a follow.

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