PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was finally Calvin Austin’s time. From voluntary workouts the Steelers coaches talked about Austin filling the role of being the number two receiver that has caused so much conversation. Just as he was settling into that role, Austin is out with a shoulder injury.
Austin started the season hot with four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown at the Jets. He had the game-winning TD from Aaron Rodgers in New England where he received praise from the quarterback for paying attention to an adjustment on the play. He also got credit from DK Metcalf for running down the field and blocking on his long catch in Dublin.
Now this injury has him out an unspecified amount of time.
It’s obviously frustrating, especially for a receiver in his contract year, not that he brought that up.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” Austin said, adding he believes God has a plan for him. “I know this is something that for me in the future, that I’m going to build on and get past that adversity.”
Austin said it happened on a reception where he was tackled, calling it a normal football play. He’s currently not sure when he will return. He doesn’t know if he could be placed on Injured Reserve, saying he will listen to the medical staff and Tomlin and go from there.
The fourth-year receiver said they have options currently in the room to fill his spot, whether that is Roman Wilson, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, a tight end or combination of all of those players.
“The whole skill group,” said Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith of who fills in, “you got to use the resources you got, that’s part of it. Whether it’s short term or whatever they tell us, sometimes it’s another receiver, group of receivers, maybe a tight end. We could use (running back) Kenny G. out there, too if we have to. You got to have options.”
“I’ll be more than ready to go and ready for the opportunity for more snaps,” said Scotty Miller. “Always waiting for that opportunity to come, got to play a little more in the game in Ireland, and felt good about it.”
“I feel comfortable playing any of the positions, I pride myself in knowing everything so if something happens to anybody, I can slide in and get the job done.”
“It’s just football at the end of the day whether it’s receiver, fullback, tight end, special teams,” Skowronek said. “I just like playing ball. I like to win, whatever I’m asked to do to get a win. I will go out 100% effort and try to execute it to the best of my ability.”
Austin missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury and just worked to get his opportunities on the field. He’ll have to do that again while his team looks for options Sunday against the Browns.