Steelers Encouraged To Trade For A Rental Wide Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost promising receiver Calvin Austin lll to a shoulder injury during a Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland. Pittsburgh was able to leave Dublin with a win, but Austin was unable to return to the game on Sunday and could be sidelined until further notice. Austin's presence on the Steelers' offense will certainly be missed until he returns and Pittsburgh will now turn to other receiving talent on the team in hopes of replicating Austin's production.

Roman Wilson could find himself receiving move targets if Austin remains out. Wilson was the Steelers' third-round pick in 2024, but the promising receiver has yet to truly get an opportunity to make an impact. Wilson currently has just one catch on the year for seven yards, but he could quickly turn things around should he further develop his relationship with Aaron Rodgers. 

Speculation has continued to surround the current state of Pittsburgh's wide receiver room following the injury to Austin, with many people continuing to question the team's depth at the position. 

Former Steelers linebacker Chris Carter was recently asked to share his thoughts on the current depth in the Steelers' wide receiver room, and the NFL veteran believes that Pittsburgh could make a move at the position at some point this season.

"I do see them making a move eventually." Carter stated. "Getting someone cheap. I think it would be a low draft pick for a rental wide receiver kind of like how Mike Williams was [in 2024], where he is only around for another year. Let's just see if we can stack him and pick him up."

Carter continued to talk about the potential price tag for a receiver of that caliber, as the retiree believes that Pittsburgh won't be willing to give up more than a late-round draft pick in exchange for a veteran receiver.

"I don't think they are giving anything major to get whoever that is this year, and I don't think they are expecting that player to revolutionize the passing game at all."

Carter's comments may not come as a surprise to many. The Steelers lack receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf and Austin, and Rodgers will almost certainly turn to the next man up in hopes of replicating Austin's production while he remains sidelined. The Steelers could find themselves involved in a move for a receiver in the near future, but Wilson may see an increase in targets for now as well.

Austin's presence on the field will be missed if he does indeed miss time. Austin is a quick and talented playmaker that has made a number of big plays on the year so far and has been a very solid option behind Metcalf. Pittsburgh will face the Cleveland Browns next Sunday where a number of receivers will look to step up and play at a higher level if Austin can't go.

Steelers' Scotty Miller And Ben Skowronek Could Have Increased Roles With Austin Out

Scotty Miller is a seven-year NFL veteran that has spent the last two seasons in Pittsburgh. Miller is a talented receiver that could quickly step up as a top playmaker behind Metcalf if Austin is out with an injury. The veteran currently does not have a catch on the year, but that could easily change if Pittsburgh mixes in some different looks.

Ben Skowronek is a talented receiver that may also find himself with an increase in targets moving forward. The five-year veteran has split time between the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh, and Skowronek could find himself with an excellent opportunity to prove himself as a legitimate weapon if Austin is out. Both Miller and Skowronek will have an excellent opportunity to step up in Week 6 against the Browns and each veteran could play key roles to improve the offense.

Carter's comments do not come as a surprise. The Steelers lack depth at wide receiver following Austin's injury, and the team could turn to a cheap and veteran option until the playmaker is fully healthy. Pittsburgh will face the Browns next Sunday as multiple playmakers will look to step up if Austin has an absence.

#SteelerNation