The New York Giants placed wide receiver Calvin Austin III on injured reserve (IR) Thursday, ending his 2026 season after he tore his right ACL in Tuesday's practice.
Austin suffered a non-contact injury while running a route during one-on-one drills and was carted off the field. Tests confirmed the torn ACL. The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal with New York in free agency after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the fourth round in 2022.
The Giants brought him in to fill the slot role previously held by Wan'Dale Robinson, and he had been listed as a primary backup on an unofficial depth chart released the day of the injury.
Austin had made an impression in camp and the preseason. In Saturday's exhibition win at Miami,
he caught both of his targets for 24 yards, added a 21-yard jet sweep and returned punts. A day before he went down, head coach John Harbaugh praised his ability to line up at all three receiver spots.
Teammates were shaken.
"Really unfortunate," Darius Slayton said. "Almost hard to really give it words, but Calvin worked his butt off. He earned the right to play for this football team this year, to make this team. Realistically, he earned the right to start for this team and have an impact."
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy called the loss a blow. Braxton Berrios is next in line in the slot, with Odell Beckham Jr. among those who could see an improved path as roster cuts approach.
In another transaction, the Giants terminated injured running back Dante Miller's contract via waivers.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants place WR Calvin Austin III on season-ending IR
