Steelers' Calvin Austin III Expected To Return In Week 8 Against Green Bay: "We're Optimistic"

Despite Head Coach Mike Tomlin leaving the door open for a potential last week, it was unfortunate that wide receiver Calvin Austin III missed Week 7’s game against the Bengals. He will likely return for the Green Bay match up, however. In the meantime, the Steelers have signed rookie Ke’Shawn Williams to make up the numbers, and the youngster will be featured on special teams in the coming weeks.

The Steelers currently sit top of the AFC North with an impressive 4-2 record. And, Pittsburgh are now price at -160 to win their division, on the back of their three game winning run, despite the most recent loss. The Ravens, who have a record of 1-5, are the bookie’s second favorites, at odds of +160.

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The Steelers have enjoyed a purple patch. As well as being down to the stellar work by Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, the success has come down to the individual players, as well, including wide receiver Calvin Austin III. In his first four games, Austin made 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns. He featured heavily thanks to the absence of George Pickens.

However, his run came to a head in Week 4. During the Steelers’ 24-21 victory over the Vikings in Ireland, the No 2. wide receiver suffered a shoulder injury. Initially, it was reported that Austin would miss at least a few games. However, earlier this week, head coach Mike Tomlin raised hopes a little when he effectively refused to rule Austin out completely.

While announcing the imminent returns of Joey Porter Jr, Alex Highsmith, and Jaylen Warren, Tomlin said: 

“Two guys that we're watching very closely that will certainly be limited at the front part of the week, but may perk up and be included toward the latter part of the week are Calvin Austin with his shoulder and Jalen Ramsey with his hamstring. Both have been highly aggressive from a rehabilitation standpoint during the bye week, and so I'm really encouraged by the potential of those guys, but we'll take it certainly day to day.”

Most recently, though, insider Gerry Dulac confirmed the news that most people expected – Austin did not play against the Bengals. Dulac posted on X, “Calvin Austin III will miss his second game in a row (shoulder) but Steelers expecting him back for Green Bay game,” last week.

Austin however is progressing, as he will return for the next match against the Green Bay Packers in all likelihood. That’s also good timing for the team because it will give them two game weeks to assess their team, with a nearly full roster, before the transfer deadline ends. Tomlin confirmed this stating, "We're optimistic," in regards to Austin's return.

Austin may not be the best wide receiver around, but he has performed solidly enough since being drafted in 2022. Austin played 49 games for the Memphis Tigers before being picked 138th overall by the Steelers in ‘22. He missed his rookie year due to injury, but has excelled since 2023. He ended the 2024 regular season with 36 catches and four touchdowns.

Following the injury, and in light of being left short in the receiver department, the team announced they had signed rookie Ke’Shawn Williams to their 53-man roster for this term. Williams, who signed for the Steelers after being undrafted last Spring, is likely, at least, to feature on special teams. He was on punt and kick return duties against the Bengals last week.

The next match will see them take on Jordan Love, the young veteran quarterback who previously faced the Steelers back in 2023. He has several weapons at his disposal, along with an effective running game – something Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin is all too aware of.