Calvin Austin Latest Injury Update: When Will Steelers WR Return?

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin is expected to miss at least one more game due to a shoulder injury he suffered earlier this season. The team ruled him out for the Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, but there’s now optimism about his potential return in Week 8.

Austin, who emerged as the Steelers’ No. 2 wide receiver behind DK Metcalf, has been sidelined since getting hurt during the team’s trip to Ireland. His absence has created challenges for Pittsburgh’s offense, which is already thin at the position and struggling for consistency in the passing game.

Steelers Expect Calvin Austin Back in Week 8

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, Calvin Austin will miss his second straight game with a shoulder injury but is expected to return for the Steelers’ Week 8 clash against the Green Bay Packers. Dulac initially reported that Austin could miss “several games,” but recent updates suggest the injury is less severe than first feared.

This is welcome news for Pittsburgh, whose depth at wide receiver has been tested in Austin’s absence. Austin ranks third on the team in receiving yards this season, behind DK Metcalf and running back Jaylen Warren. The fact that a running back holds the second-most receiving yards underscores how much the Steelers have missed Austin’s production and explosiveness.

Without him, the Steelers have relied on Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, and rookie Roman Wilson to step up. However, none have been able to replicate Austin’s big-play ability or chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson. As a result, defenses have increasingly focused on shutting down Metcalf, limiting Pittsburgh’s passing options.

Potential Trade Deadline Moves and Offensive Impact

Even with Austin’s expected return, Pittsburgh may still look to add reinforcements at the trade deadline. Reports from Bleacher Report’s James Palmer and ESPN’s Adam Schefter indicate the Steelers are exploring the market for additional wide receiver help, reflecting ongoing concerns about depth and production beyond Metcalf and Austin.

Austin’s presence will be crucial for the Steelers’ offense in the second half of the season. His speed and route-running ability stretch defenses vertically and create space underneath, something Pittsburgh has lacked without him. If he returns healthy in Week 8, the Steelers could regain balance in their passing game just as the playoff race begins to intensify.

In short, Calvin Austin is expected to miss only one more game and could return to action in Week 8 against the Packers. His comeback would be a major boost for a Steelers offense that needs all the help it can get heading into the heart of the 2025 NFL season.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long is Calvin Austin expected to be out?

He is expected to miss just one more game and could return in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers.

Q2: What injury is keeping Calvin Austin sidelined?

He is dealing with a shoulder injury suffered earlier in the season during the Steelers’ trip to Ireland.

Q3: How important is Calvin Austin to the Steelers’ offense?

Austin is the team’s No. 2 wide receiver and third in receiving yards, making him a key piece of Pittsburgh’s passing attack.

Q4: Are the Steelers looking for wide receiver help?

Yes, reports suggest they are exploring the trade market to add depth and help DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin.

Q5: Who is replacing Calvin Austin while he’s out?

Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, and Roman Wilson are filling in, but none have matched Austin’s production.