By Field Level Media
Aug 26 (Field Level Media) - Giants wideout Calvin Austin III will miss the upcoming season after tearing his right ACL in practice on Tuesday, and head coach John Harbaugh said the injury hurts in multiple ways.
New York signed the 27-year-old veteran to a one-year, $1.5 million contract in the offseason following three seasons with the Steelers, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2022.
Austin was carted off the field at training camp Tuesday after his right knee appeared to
buckle during a one-on-one drill against Deonte Banks.
He was consoled by his teammates on the field and again by Giants co-owner John Mara, who followed Austin in his own cart and tapped the wideout on the helmet and shoulder pads.
"It's definitely impactful to our team because he was playing so well," Harbaugh said Wednesday. "He was doing a great job across the board, offense and special teams. He had definitely carved out a role for us on our team, and then to see that happen, especially just a non-contact type of an injury, it's just kind of shocking to see. So, you feel bad for him.
"I mean, that's the biggest thing. He and I were texting last night and even more this morning, so I think he's in a better place now than he was yesterday. But it's going to be a long road back, but he'll get back. He'll get back, and we'll be behind him the whole way."
Austin collected 31 catches for 372 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games (seven starts) last season. He had 84 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight scores in 48 career regular-season games (16 starts) with the Steelers.
The Giants' options to replace Austin at slot receiver include Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham Jr. and Darnell Mooney.
Austin also was listed as second-team punt returner behind Berrios.
New York opens the regular season on Sept. 13 at home against Dallas.
(--Field Level Media)
