Calvin Austin’s had a nice start to his fourth NFL season, but he unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury during the Steelers’ Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Despite having a bye week afterward, Austin still missed the Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns. Now in a short week before Thursday’s night’s game, Austin has already been ruled out against Cincinnati.
Fortunately, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac did reveal a silver lining. Although he’ll miss Thursday’s game, he is expected to be healthy when the Steelers return home against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
Calvin Austin III will miss his second game in a row (shoulder) but Steelers expecting him back for Green Bay game
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 15, 2025
It’s just the second game Austin will miss, but including the bye week this is now his third week dealing with the injury. While short turnarounds like this week are hard, and very unpopular amongst players, it does offer a mini bye week afterwards. After playing Thursday, the Steelers get a long weekend and then don’t have to play the Packers until October 26th, which will be a Sunday night affair.
The injury came at an unfortunate time for Calvin Austin. He was building some nice chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, and was building off his own impressive 2024 season. Through the first four games, Austin had 10 receptions for 139 yards, and had already scored twice.
His injury also comes at an interesting time with the trade deadline just weeks away. There’s been plenty of speculation as to what the Steelers might do at the deadline. While some don’t expect them to be major players, if there’s a position they want to upgrade, there’s a decent chance it’s at receiver.
Last week, DK Metcalf did a good job leading the position as the only real consistent option. He had 95 yards, but after him, the next leading WR was Roman Wilson, with one catch for 12 yards. Aside from Metcalf and Wilson, no other receiver caught a pass. The rest of the targets all went to tight ends and running backs. However, the unit will have an easier task against a Bengals’ defense that’s really struggling this year.
It will hurt to miss Austin for another game. But getting him back for Week 8 would be a light at the end of the tunnel. It also may make the Steelers less willing to add to the position via trade.
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