Calvin Austin III ‘Highly Unlikely’ to be Included in Plan This Week

PITTSBURGH — Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who is on injured reserve, is ‘highly unlikely’ to be included in the plans for this week’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Mike Tomlin.

Other than that unlikely inclusion, there was very little update on Austin. The deadline for Austin to be activated from the injured reserve is by the end of Wednesday. If he is not activated, Austin will be out for the year. He suffered a foot injury prior to the Steelers’ first preseason game and returned to practice on October 5, but very little has been heard about him since.

Even still, Austin has yet to play in even a preseason game. That will hold him back, even if he is activated. Now seven weeks into the season, Austin is far behind in his preparation compared to other receivers. He is unlikely to play this week, but his activation will depend upon his health and availability.

“This guy hadn’t played in a stadium yet, anyway,” Tomlin said. “He hadn’t played in a preseason stadium. It’s more about development for him, and that’s the perspective I have. I’m just being realistic. Up or down, active or inactive, his overall readiness is probably not a high probability. I’m just being straightforward.”

Tomlin noted that he has not yet asked if Austin will be ready to be activated Tuesday or Wednesday, but should find out soon his chances to return. Either way, it seems that Austin is not going to play against the Eagles. If he is activated, the Steelers will have to make a corresponding 53-man roster move to room for Austin on the roster.