Steelers WR Calvin Austin III Placed in Concussion Protocol
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed during his Tuesday press conference that wide receiver Calvin Austin III is in the concussion protocol.
The Steelers escaped Sunday’s 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals relatively healthy, as Austin was the only player to leave the game with an injury.
“Calvin Austin is being evaluated with a concussion,” Tomlin said during his post-game press conference. “Other than that, appears to be bump and bruises associated with play.”
Austin left his team’s game late in the first half and did not return. Austin took a big hit from Cincinnati cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt.
When the Steelers came back from the locker room to start the third quarter, Austin was not with them, and the team announced that he was being evaluated for a head injury. He was later ruled out. Austin also took a brutal shot from linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither in the first quarter.
HUGE hit from Cam Taylor-Britt on Calvin Austin.#Steelers #Bengals pic.twitter.com/lTvJAEl6S6
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) December 1, 2024
Before his injury, Austin made two catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. His 23-yard touchdown catch from Russell Wilson early in the second quarter helped tie the game at 14-14.
Austin, who has emerged as a deep threat for the Steelers this season, has four touchdown receptions on the year. He’s recorded a touchdown reception in each of the last two games.
After back-to-back injury-riddled seasons, Austin has really blossomed in the passing game with Russell Wilson as his QB.
Tomlin also announced on Tuesday that star outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will be back this week against the Cleveland Browns.
Highsmith, who is returning from a low left ankle sprain, was limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday last week and was considered doubtful to play before being ruled out against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Cornerback Cory Trice and nose tackle Montravious Adams could also play this week. Trice has until Thursday to be elevated off the 21-day practice window.
Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
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