What's Happening?
Calvin Austin, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is currently listed as questionable for the upcoming Thursday night game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin sustained a shoulder injury during the Steelers' Week 4 victory over the Minnesota Vikings and subsequently missed the Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns. Coach Mike Tomlin has indicated that Austin may require additional recovery time due to the short turnaround before the next game. In Austin's absence, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek have been sharing wide receiver duties, although the team has been relying more on three-tight end sets.
Why It's Important?
Austin's potential absence could impact the Steelers' offensive strategy, as they may continue to rely on tight end formations rather than multiple wide receiver sets. This could affect the team's passing game dynamics and overall performance against the Bengals. Additionally, Austin's injury highlights the challenges teams face with player health and recovery during a condensed schedule, which can influence game outcomes and team standings in the competitive NFL landscape.
What's Next?
If Austin is unable to play, he will have a 10-day recovery period before the Steelers face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. This extended break could be crucial for his recovery and return to the field. The Steelers will need to adjust their offensive strategy accordingly, potentially increasing reliance on their tight ends and other wide receivers to fill the gap left by Austin.
