First Call: Calvin Austin calms injury concerns; George Pickens' monster game; Lamar Jackson hurt

Monday’s “First Call” gets us up to speed on Calvin Austin’s injury. Another former Pittsburgh Steeler suffered a scary hit in Buffalo, and we’ll examine how some ex-Steelers did at wide receiver.

That includes George Pickens, who had a big game for Dallas.

Providing an update

Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin was injured early in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 24-21 victory Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland.

Austin was ruled out with a shoulder injury and taken to a Dublin hospital to have his arm examined. But the third-year receiver did try to calm concerns on social media.

Great Dub in Dublin! I'm all good Steelers Nation, appreciate the messages and concern!

— CantCatchCal (@CalvinAustinIII) September 28, 2025

He had two catches for 13 yards and returned a pair of punts for 9 yards.

According to SteelersNow.com, unlike most NFL stadiums, Croke Park does not have in-stadium X-ray capacity. So that may have been the need for the hospital trip.

For the Steelers’ sake, Austin better be OK. They are already thin at wide receiver. On the upside, Pittsburgh does have a bye this week before facing Cleveland at home next week.

Pickens picks it up

George Pickens had a banner game for the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football.”

The former Steeler made this circus catch against the Green Bay Packers for 28 yards.

ARE YOU KIDDING GEORGE

????: #GBvsDAL on NBC
????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/RmDxAeCG4M pic.twitter.com/TVN0U3MMg4

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 29, 2025

He also scored twice, including a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

4️⃣ to 3️⃣ for 7️⃣!

????: #GBvsDAL on NBC
????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/RmDxAeCG4M pic.twitter.com/qBgiKriQ4G

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 29, 2025

DAK. PICKENS. @DALLASCOWBOYS LEAD!

GBvsDAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/dpXf6tOXLH

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2025

Pickens wound up with eight catches for 134 yards and two scores. The game itself ended up as a 40-40 tie.

The Cowboys need Pickens to be a consistent superstar while Cee Dee Lamb is out with a high ankle sprain.

More sports

• Madden Monday: 'Kenneth Gainwell should be the No. 1 running back' even when Jaylen Warren returns
• Feats of Strength: DK's big play, Kenny G's TDs key Steelers win in Ireland
• WR Calvin Austin sustains shoulder injury, heads to hospital during Steelers' win against Vikings

Juice from JuJu

Even though JuJu Smith-Schuster is no longer a Steeler, it’s still good when he helps beat the Baltimore Ravens.

That’s what happened Sunday in Kansas City. Smith-Schuster and his Chiefs teammates smoked the Ravens, 37-20. The 28-year-old wide receiver had four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown.

TO THE NINES ???? pic.twitter.com/y2s4l7Xf8d

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 28, 2025

That was Smith-Schuster’s first touchdown of the season. K.C. improved to 2-2 with the win, while Baltimore fell to 1-3.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had to leave the game with a hamstring injury. Linebacker Roquan Smith, defensive back Marlon Humphrey and cornerback Nate Wiggins all got hurt in that loss for Baltimore too.

Via ESPN.com, that means that shortly after the start of the fourth quarter, the Ravens were without seven defensive starters.

Scary replay

The Steelers were very happy to sign punter Cameron Johnston prior to last season.

However, he was lost during Week 1 when one member of the Atlanta Falcons ran into his kicking leg.

After Johnston lost the punter job to Corliss Waitman this year, the Buffalo Bills signed him. The native Australian had another scare on Sunday when the Saints crashed into his other leg trying to block a punt. Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell was flagged for roughing the punter.

Johnston got up in significant pain and threw his helmet. But he went to the sideline tent and came back with a knee brace to hold for a kick a few moments later.

P Cameron Johnston (Left Knee)

Johnston gets a direct blow to the inside portion of his left knee which is his plant leg.

Was able to walk on sidelines & returned with a brace to hold for a FG.

Hoping for a contusion or hyperextension.

Could also consider MCL/LCL or meniscus. pic.twitter.com/LV2JdHPqa1

— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) September 28, 2025

Matt Prater’s field goal attempt was good. Johnson was seen limping off the field after Buffalo’s 31-19 victory, but no further update is known.