Steelers Receive An Extremely Promising Update On Calvin Austin lll Prior To Matchup With Green Bay

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be receiving a major reinforcement prior to their matchup with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Calvin Austin lll has been sidelined since Week 4 in Ireland, but the receiver could be ready to make his return as soon as this weekend. Austin would presumably return to his role as the second receiver behind DK Metcalf as he quietly put together some very solid performances over the first three weeks of play.

Austin has dealt with a number of different injuries since the beginning of the offseason. The young receiver is currently on the final year of his rookie deal and he may need to prove himself throughout the remainder of the 2025 season in order to secure a new contract in Pittsburgh. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently shared an update on Austin's status for Sunday and believes the young receiver could be ready to go. Fittipaldo says both Austin and Head Coach Mike Tomlin are hopeful and optimistic.

"I do. Calvin Austin was hopeful, Mike was optimistic yesterday, so yes I do think Calvin will be back," Fittipaldo stated.

The insider expects the Steelers to spread out the targets in similar fashion to what we saw against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night as well.

"And they will juggle the targets there," Fittipaldo added.

Austin would be a huge addition to the Steelers' offense should he prove to be fully healthy. Aaron Rodgers has done an excellent job in spreading out the targets over the past two weeks of play, but Austin could be a dangerous weapon that the veteran quarterback targets frequently. Austin's official status for Sunday's contest is currently still up in the air, but Fittipaldo's update is an excellent sign nonetheless.

Rodgers and the Steelers' offense will truly be tested against a high powered Packers' defensive unit. They were able to sack Jacoby Brissett a total of six times during their matchup with the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7 as Pittsburgh's offensive line will need to be at their best against Green Bay. 

Micah Parsons and the rest of the Packers' defensive line will look to get through to Rodgers at every available moment and keeping the 41 year old quarterback upright throughout the contest will be essential.

Multiple Other Reports Signal Austin's Return In Week 8

Austin has been reported to be nearing his return by a number of different sources as well. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac recently confirmed Austin's updated status in addition to Fittipaldo earlier this week, as well as Joe Rutter of TribLIVE. Austin would instantly be a major addition to the Steelers' offense and the receiver will need to make an impact throughout the remainder of 2025 to keep this offense rolling.

All three insider reports are an excellent sign prior to the Sunday night, primetime contest. Austin's exact injury has been a shoulder issue, but the bye week during Week 5 likely could have played a crucial role in the receiver's speedy recovery. All signs currently point to Austin's return on Sunday as Rodgers should now have one of his top weapons at his disposal once again.

Austin's official status for Sunday's contest should be revealed very soon. Regardless, the Steelers will look to continue utilizing their very diverse set of talented tight ends (Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward), and lean on their superstar top receiving option, Metcalf. The Steelers have also been running the football very effectively on the ground over the last three contests, and will look to continue growing in that area as well while the wide receiver room gets healthy. 

Do you think Austin will be good to go in time for Sunday's matchup? Let us know what you think in the comments down below! Share your Steelers' takes with me on X too @BoicoJake and follow me.

#SteelerNation