Calvin Austin III’s had a nice start to his fourth NFL season, but he unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury during the Steelers’ Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Despite having a bye week afterward, Austin still missed the Steelers’ Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns. In a short week before the Steelers’ Thursday game in Cincinnati, Austin has already been ruled out of the 8:15 PM/EST contest.

Fortunately, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac tweeted Wednesday that Austin is expected to play in Week 8 when the Green Bay Packers visit Acrisure Stadium.

Calvin Austin III will miss his second game in a row (shoulder) but Steelers expecting him back for Green Bay game

— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) October 15, 2025

It’s just the second game Austin will miss this season, but including the bye this is now his third week he is dealing with the shoulder injury. While short turnarounds like this week are hard, and very unpopular amongst players, it does offer a mini bye week afterwards. After playing Thursday, the Steelers get a long weekend and don’t play the Packers until Oct 26., a Sunday night affair.

Austin’s injury came at an unfortunate time. He was building some nice chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and was building on his own impressive 2024 season. In four games, Austin has 10 receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

His injury also comes at an interesting time with the trade deadline just weeks away. There’s been plenty of speculation as to what the Steelers might do ahead of the deadline. While some don’t expect them to be major players, if there’s a position they want to upgrade, there’s a decent chance it’s receiver.

Against the Browns on Sunday DK Metcalf did a good job leading the position as its only consistent option. He had 95 yards, but after him the next leading WR was Roman Wilson, who had one catch for 12 yards. Aside from Metcalf and Wilson, no other wide receiver caught a pass. The rest of Aaron Rodgers’ completions went to tight ends and running backs.

It will hurt to miss Austin for another game but getting him back for Week 8 would help soften that blow. It may also make the Steelers less willing to add to the position via trade.