The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense could look like a much different unit on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Calvin Austin lll may be sidelined due to an injury suffered against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland as his presence as a top playmaker this season will be deeply missed should the talented receiver miss time. Austin left the game against the Vikings with a shoulder injury and was unable to return.
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Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers could turn to tight end Jonnu Smith as a top receiving option if Austin is sidelined in the coming weeks. Smith was acquired in an offseason deal with the Miami Dolphins and was widely regarded as a top tight end in all of football in 2024. The former Dolphin is a dynamic playmaker that has the ability to play both tight end and wide receiver, and Smith could quickly emerge as a top weapon at Rodgers' disposal moving forward.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently shared his thoughts as to where he believes the Steelers could turn to replace Austin's production, with the insider considering both Smith and Roman Wilson as legitimate options.
"I want to see more play-action, I want to see more tight ends," Kaboly stated. "I want to see who that number two is, is it Roman Wilson?"
Kaboly continued to go more in depth on Smith, as many believed Smith would be a top receiving option when he was originally traded to Pittsburgh.
"Or is it going to be Jonnu Smith finally moving into that spot where we thought he might fit in at before Calvin Austin lll emerged," Kaboly explained.
Austin will undoubtedly be missed if he remains sidelined with an injury. Smith could find himself with an excellent opportunity to receive a larger target share moving forward, and the veteran may quickly begin playing like the Pro Bowl version of himself that we saw just one season ago in Miami. Pittsburgh will turn to Smith and a mix of other playmakers should Austin be sidelined on Sunday and Smith may very well be in prime position for a monster performance against Cleveland.
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Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) down on the field while the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson could see an increase in targets on Sunday as well. He is a talented receiver who has yet to truly get an opportunity to prove himself, but the young player has shown flashes of potential with limited playing time. The former third-round pick currently has just one catch on the year for seven yards, but Wilson could be slated with a larger workload if Austin is out.
Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Could Thrive If Austin Is Sidelined
Pat Freiermuth has had a very underwhelming start to his 2025 NFL season. The star tight end is credited with seven receptions for 65 yards on the year and he has struggled to get the ball on a consistent basis. Freiermuth may quickly emerge as a top target for Rodgers if Austin is out too as the athletic tight end could be an instant game changer should he see an increase in targets moving forward.
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Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (#88) warms up on the playing surface prior to a 2022 preseason game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Freiermuth's struggles to begin the year are concerning. The talented playmaker recorded 653 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but he could quickly begin to get back on track with a larger workload on Sunday. Pittsburgh will host the Browns on Sunday afternoon where Freiermuth and the rest of the Steelers' offense will look to start strong against one of the better defensive units in football.
Kaboly's comments are exciting to hear. Smith is a dynamic playmaker with the ability to play multiple positions and can quickly become a top weapon. The Steelers will look to widen the gap in the race for the AFC North title this weekend as it will be their first divisional game of 2025.
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