Rookie WR Calvin Austin III takes injured reserve designation in stride

Over the first two weeks of training camp at Saint Vincent College, few turned heads as much and as often as Calvin Austin III.

The rookie wide receiver’s daily routine as the regular season begins is much different.

“I’m just putting in work in the training room, in the meeting rooms, taking mental reps out in the field, getting my catches in,” Austin said.

Noticeably missing from that rundown are “taking part in team drills” or even “practicing with teammates.” That’s because Austin is beginning the season on the injured reserve list because of a foot injury.

A speedy fourth-round pick from Memphis, Austin’s NFL debut will have to wait at least five more weeks. Stays on IR are a minimum of four games.

Not an ideal way to begin an NFL career, but Austin is taking it in stride and making the best of it.

“For one, I have continued to pray; that really helps my mental (health),” Austin said. “And with (wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson) and even (head coach Mike Tomlin), when you come in this building you cannot be like tuned out or not engaged. So whether that’s offensive meetings, special teams meetings, I am still engaged, taking notes.

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“I am still young so I am learning a lot every day. When you get down to the game plan you start to get more and more in depth, so I am continuing to learn and learn.”

It was a surprise that Austin was in street clothes for the Steelers’ preseason opener Aug. 13. He also did not play in either of their subsequent two preseason games. Though Austin was spotted on the practice field at times over the ensuing weeks, it is not believed he did any team drills.

The Steelers kept veterans Steven Sims and Miles Boykin to round out their WR corps behind starters Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and rookie second-round pick George Pickens. Kick/punt returner Gunner Olszewski is also expected to have a significant role on offense out of the slot, where Austin might have played extensively if he was healthy.

“I definitely take all my mental reps, just to see different coverages,” Austin said. “We have a talented receiving room, so the more I see some of the stuff that they do — releases, routes and stuff — that will always help my game.

“I am just taking it day by day each day. I go in with the training room and attack each workout in front of me just to get back as soon as possible.”

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