At the end of Thursday’s practice in Pittsburgh, Calvin Austin stood at midfield, hands on hips, helmet slightly tilted, eyes scanning the horizon. He looked like a man who’d just reclaimed something he’d been missing — and in a sense, he had.
For the first time since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month, Austin moved freely, cutting through drills without hesitation. His return marked one of the most encouraging developments for the Steelers ahead of their matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
Mike Tomlin’s message to reporters was brief but telling: “Calvin’s back trending up. We’ll see him out there Sunday.”
That line carried more weight than usual. Pittsburgh’s offense, still finding its rhythm under Russell Wilson, has lacked the element of speed that forces defenses to stay honest. Austin provides that, and more.
“He’s one of those guys that changes the field,” Wilson said. “Even when he’s not catching passes, he’s creating space.”
Austin’s injury history is well-documented, but so is his resilience. After missing his rookie year, the former Memphis star has quietly become a fan favorite for his determination. Each return has been met with a mixture of admiration and nervous hope — will this finally be the moment everything clicks?
Teammates say the vibe around him this week feels different. “He’s got that energy back,” said Diontae Johnson. “When Calvin’s laughing, you know he’s feeling good.”
For a player whose career has been defined by stop-and-start momentum, confidence is everything. And confidence, finally, seems to be back in full supply.
Fans flooded social media after reports confirmed his likely availability. “We need that spark. Let’s go CA3!” one comment read. Another wrote, “If Austin gets loose against Green Bay, that’s a game-changer.”
The Steelers are treating this cautiously. They know how valuable Austin is when healthy — and how costly it would be to rush him back too soon. His workload is being monitored, with an emphasis on maintaining his trademark acceleration without strain.
Defensive coordinators around the league have already noted Austin’s deep-ball potential. Even with limited touches this season, his yards-after-catch average ranks among the best on the team. If Pittsburgh can integrate him fully, it could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for.
As the team wrapped up practice, Austin spoke briefly to local reporters. “It’s just good to be back with the guys,” he said. “I’m focused on helping us win. That’s all that matters.”
There was no bravado, no big declarations — just quiet confidence. And for a player who’s seen more rehab rooms than end zones, that humility speaks volumes.
Pittsburgh will need every ounce of his speed and focus on Sunday. The Packers’ defense, hungry after consecutive losses, will challenge him at every route. But for now, Steelers Nation can exhale: Calvin Austin is back, and with him, maybe the promise of a more dynamic offense.
Follow for continuing coverage from practice through kickoff.
