Austin has improved odds for a starting job after the Steelers traded WR George Pickens to Dallas, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports. Austin was second among Pittsburgh's wide receivers in targets, catches and yards last season, but he didn't get much playing time in formations with fewer than three wide receivers, and his average of 3.4 targets per game was far below what's needed for fantasy relevance in most leagues. It could be a similar situation this year, only with DK Metcalf replacing Pickens as the clear No. 1, and Robert Woods replacing Van Jefferson as the veteran who is valued for blocking and experience more so than drawing targets. Austin is in better position than he would've been had the Steelers kept both Metcalf and Pickens, but huge snap counts remain unlikely for one of the NFL's smallest players (Austin is listed at 5-foot-9, 162 pounds).
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Austin has improved odds for a starting job after the Steelers traded WR George Pickens to Dallas, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports. Austin was second among Pittsburgh's wide receivers in targets, catches and yards last season, but he didn't get much playing time in formations with fewer than three wide receivers, and his average of 3.4 targets per game was far below what's needed for fantasy relevance in most leagues. It could be a similar situation this year, only with DK Metcalf replacing Pickens as the clear No. 1, and Robert Woods replacing Van Jefferson as the veteran who is valued for blocking and experience more so than drawing targets. Austin is in better position than he would've been had the Steelers kept both Metcalf and Pickens, but huge snap counts remain unlikely for one of the NFL's smallest players (Austin is listed at 5-foot-9, 162 pounds).
Austin secured 36 of 58 targets for 548 yards and four touchdowns across 17 regular-season appearances with the Steelers in 2024. Although Austin consistently lagged behind Van Jefferson in snap counts in 2024, Austin was the more productive receiver, doubling Jefferson's production in receiving yards and touchdowns. Austin had a limited impact during Pittsburgh's wild-card loss to Baltimore, securing one of two targets for 25 yards, but he still showed some promise during his second healthy season in the NFL. Austin is entering the final season of his rookie contract in 2025, and he'll likely have a chance to take another step in his development process, especially if he rises to be the No. 2 receiver behind George Pickens.
Austin failed to secure his lone target during Saturday's 19-17 loss to the Bengals. Austin had one of his best three-game stretches of the year leading up to Saturday's regular-season finale, as he secured 13 of 15 targets for 161 yards. However, he was held in check in Week 18 as the Steelers passed for just 148 yards. Pittsburgh will face Baltimore in a wild-card matchup Jan. 11, and Austin secured five of seven targets for 64 yards during his two regular-season appearances against the Ravens this year.
Austin secured four of five targets for 31 yards during Wednesday's 29-10 loss to Kansas City. Austin led the Steelers in receiving yards in each of the last two games since George Pickens (hamstring) was sidelined. However, Pickens was back in action Wednesday, and Austin wasn't as productive in a game in which the Steelers' offense struggled to generate much production through the air. Austin has secured 19 of 24 targets for 272 yards and two touchdowns over his last six appearances, but his fantasy potential for the Steelers' regular-season finale against the Bengals next week will likely be limited as long as Pickens is available once again.
Austin recorded four receptions on five targets for 65 yards in Saturday's 34-17 loss to the Ravens. Austin led the Steelers in receiving yards and tied for the team lead in targets due to George Pickens (hamstring) still being sidelined. The former had only six yards at halftime, though he came alive on Pittsburgh's second possession of the second half with two catches totaling 60 yards -- highlighted by an impressive toe-tapping catch that went for 44 yards. Austin has topped 60 receiving yards in consecutive games and half of his last six contests.
Austin recorded five receptions on five targets for 65 yards in Sunday's 27-13 loss to the Eagles. Austin did his part to fill the void left by George Pickens' (hamstring) absence in the Pittsburgh offense by recording a season-best five receptions. His biggest impact came early in the third quarter, when he recorded a 31-yard reception that put the Steelers in scoring range. Despite the positive showing, Austin still has surpassed 50 receiving yards in only four games on the campaign.
Austin secured one of four targets for four yards during Sunday's 27-14 win over the Browns. Although the Steelers were without George Pickens (hamstring) during Sunday's matchup, Austin didn't see a significant uptick in playing time. The 25-year-old saw his highest number of targets since Week 10 against Washington, but he was held under 10 receiving yards for the second time in the last eight games, and he failed to score a touchdown after reaching the end zone in each of the prior two weeks. Austin has had some flashes of fantasy upside this year, but his output remains inconsistent.
Austin (concussion) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Browns, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports. Austin's lack of designation means he has cleared concussion protocol. He practiced without limitations Thursday and Friday after being limited Wednesday. The 5-foot-9 wide receiver brings a two-game touchdown streak into Sunday's clash between AFC North rivals, including a Week 12 score against the Browns. Austin has three touchdowns in six games with Russell Wilson at quarterback.
Austin (concussion) said Friday he expects to be cleared to play Sunday versus Cleveland, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports. Austin practiced in full Thursday, and while the Steelers haven't yet officially announced that he's cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, the expectation appears to be that he'll suit up Week 14. In his last two appearances Austin has compiled five catches (five targets) for 107 yards and two scores, despite only playing 23 percent of offensive snaps Week 13 versus Cincinnati.