The Steelers offense, at this point, wouldn’t shy away from welcoming any sort of shot of life.
And they could potentially get a major one Sunday.
Rookie receiver Calvin Austin III has been working at practice since last week, when he was first allowed to join the team following a five-week stint on injured reserve due to a foot injury.
Austin III electrified at times during Steelers training camp, showcasing his phenomenal speed that helped him get drafted in the fourth round this spring.
But, surprisingly, Austin did not play in Pittsburgh’s first preseason game against Seattle, and the injury was later revealed. Over the last few weeks, Austin has been working his way back to the field, including an interesting foot rehab exercise that includes dribbling a soccer ball around the practice field, he confirmed to 93.7 The Fan last week.
It wasn't an unfamiliar experience for the rookie, however. He played soccer as a kid, but ultimately gave up the sport because it conflicted with his track schedule too much.
The Steelers had Austin return to practice last week, and therefore have 21 days from the time of return to activate him, or he will be lost for the season.
“It hasn’t been too difficult, but it's been just kind of hard just not being out there with the guys so much,” Austin said Wednesday morning. “It was good to get back to practice last week and be out there and help them. So that's probably been the most frustrating part, is not being out there to help them.”
Austin was a second-team All-American track athlete while in college at Memphis, and ran a 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine — the fifth-highest mark among all participants.
“I think I can just bring a speed element to open up some 1-on-1’s to create some mismatches,” he said. “And obviously, when I get the ball in my hands, I feel like I can be a playmaker.”
Pittsburgh hopes so. The Steelers, with fellow Rookie Kenny Pickett making his first career start Sunday — and the offense scoring just three points — could certainly use another one of those playmakers.
Pittsburgh's position players have generally underperformed to this point, and Austin fits the mold of what offense coordinator Matt Canada wants to do in his scheme. He’s the perfect candidate to work in the slot or even line up outside, and could be used frequently in pre-snap motions and given the football in space.
But, for right now, he’s just wanting to prove that he belongs in the lineup.
“I’m continuing to work on my own routes, continuing to learn the offense,” Austin said. “I’ve been in it the whole time, so I'm not behind or anything, but I’m just continuing to work on my game out there and just to show that I'm consistent and ready.”
Austin will likely be used in a kick and/or punt return role, as well, and has worked on that since the spring.
A player as explosive as he is could potentially give Pickett a full arsenal of weapons Sunday when the Steelers host Tampa at Acrisure Stadium.
But, first, he’s just hoping the frustrations end, and he get on the field to truly help his team.
“I’m just continuing just a stack each day at practice, and I know that the decision will be made soon,” he said. “And it will be at the right moment.”