Pittsburgh Steelers’ Calvin Austin III Ruled Out With Head Injury
UPDATE (3:12 p.m.): Austin has been ruled out for the rest of the game with a head injury, per Steelers senior director of communications Burt Lauten.
UPDATE: Austin III has been ruled out with a head injury.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 1, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III exited Sunday’s Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals following a concerning hit in the first half.
The young receiver initially left the game after taking a hard hit from linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither on Pittsburgh’s first offensive play. Though he returned to the field later in the first quarter, Austin took another significant blow late in the half, raising concerns about a potential concussion.
Steelers officials quickly announced that Austin was being evaluated for a head injury, with his return to the game listed as questionable. Lauten later confirmed that Austin would be ruled out for the remainder of the game.
#Steelers WR Calvin Austin III is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return to today’s game.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 1, 2024
Austin’s absence is a significant loss for the Steelers.
The speedy receiver has emerged as a key member of the team’s offense in recent weeks, showcasing his ability to make big plays. He enters today’s game coming off a strong performance against the Cleveland Browns, where he recorded three receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Austin also hauled in another touchdown pass for the Steelers against the Bengals before exiting the game.
At 5-9, 162 pounds, Austin is often a target for larger defenders, leaving him vulnerable to injury. He also dealt with a concussion earlier this season, suffering a blow during a Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders.
What will the Steelers likely have to adjust in their offensive strategy?*
## Steelers Lose Austin III to Head Injury
**Host:** Welcome back. The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking on the Cincinnati Bengals today, and unfortunately, we have some breaking news to report. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III has been ruled out for the rest of the game due to a head injury. Joining us now is Steelers beat writer, Alex Reed, to discuss the impact of this loss.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me. It’s certainly a blow for the Steelers. Austin III has become a crucial part of their offense, particularly in the deep passing game. His speed and ability to stretch the field have opened things up for the rest of the receivers.
**Host:** Can you tell us more about the circumstances of the injury?
**Alex Reed:** Details are still scarce at this point. We know he left the game and was quickly ruled out by the team. Head injuries are always a serious concern, and the Steelers will undoubtedly be cautious with his recovery. [[1](https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/01/calvin-austin-injury-steelers-bengals-week-13/)]
**Host:** How will this impact the Steelers’ game plan for the rest of this game against the Bengals?
**Alex Reed:** The Steelers will likely have to adjust their offensive strategy without Austin III’s deep threat. We could see them relying more on shorter passes and running plays. It’s a tough loss, but the Steelers have depth at receiver, and other players will need to step up.
**Host:** This is definitely a situation to monitor moving forward. Thanks for your insights, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.