Calvin Austin III Continues Strong Performance Into Training Camp
Calvin Austin III carried his impressive performance from OTAs and minicamp into training camp. A 2022 fourth-round pick, Austin missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury and saw limited action last year, with just 30 targets and 11 carries. At 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, Austin is among the smallest players in the league, but the Steelers are giving him opportunities to play both inside and outside. He has demonstrated versatility by excelling in these roles, effectively handling short and deep routes and impacting various route types. Since the start of the year, Austin has been the team's second-best receiver, and nothing in the past week has altered that status. If he can outperform Van Jefferson and rookie third-round pick Roman Wilson for the second wide receiver spot, he could emerge as a valuable sleeper heading into 2024 fantasy drafts.
Source: Alan Saunders
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: Alan Saunders
Calvin Austin III A Low-End WR3 Versus The Bengals
Calvin Austin III secured four of five targets for 31 yards during Week 17's 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. During Week 15 and 16, with counterpart George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, Austin took over as the leading receiver in those games with 65 yards in each contest. Pickens returned in Week 17, and Austin moved down the pecking order. The silver lining was that the five targets were fourth on the team, showing signs that he would remain involved in the passing game. However, that's not enough volume and opportunity to make Austin a reliable fantasy start in Week 18. This week, the Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals, who rank middle of the pack against opposing wide receivers. Austin comes in as WR66 in the latest RotoBaller wide receiver rankings for Week 18.
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: RotoBaller
Calvin Austin III Stays Involved In Week 17 Loss
Calvin Austin III posted four receptions for 31 yards on five targets in a 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Although Austin was quiet for fantasy purposes, it was encouraging to see him remain involved in the offense despite the return of fellow wideout George Pickens. Austin has now earned five opportunities in three straight contests and is clearly the WR2 in Pittsburgh ahead of Mike Williams and Van Jefferson. He is worth rostering in dynasty formats and will hope to close out the regular season on a high note against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.
Source: ESPN
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: ESPN
Calvin Austin III Has Low Floor Against Kansas City
Calvin Austin III has led the team's pass-catchers in each of his last two games and should get plenty of run against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17. The Chiefs have shut down the running game while giving up a fair amount of fantasy points to receivers this season. Although Austin has seemingly established himself as a trusted target of quarterback Russell Wilson, he will likely have to compete for opportunities with George Pickens (hamstring) for the first time since Week 13. If Pickens is surprisingly inactive, Austin can be viewed as a desperation flex play, but he shouldn't be started in fantasy lineups otherwise.
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: RotoBaller
Calvin Austin III Leads Steelers In Receiving Yards Saturday
Calvin Austin III caught four of his five targets for 65 yards during Saturday's Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. With George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, the Steelers called upon Austin to be one of their primary pass-catchers for the second week in a row. Over his last two games combined, he now has nine catches for 130 yards through the air. Austin's big-play upside gives him decent fantasy appeal, but Pickens' potential return on Christmas Day would knock Austin off the fantasy radar once again. Fantasy managers hoping to plug in Austin as a WR3/FLEX play in Week 17 should continue to monitor the Steelers' injury reports.
Source: RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Source: RotoBaller
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