Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Steelers 2023 preseason. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!
The Pittsburgh Steelers have found an upgrade on special teams in the return game from rookie wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Throughout the 2023 NFL preseason, the speedy rookie has been turning heads and getting his teammates and coaches fired up.
In the preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons, Austin once again showcased his skill.
After the Pittsburgh defense forced a first quarter three-and-out, with a 7-0 Steelers lead on the scoreboard, Atlanta punter Bradley Pinion blasted the ball from the Falcons eight-yard line a booming 42 yards where Austin was waiting. The rookie fielded the kick and scrambled, with good blocking ahead of him, for 21 yards before Atlanta got a fortunate tackle to force the return out of bounds
Austin drew plenty of attention when he returned to the Steelers sideline following the play. Head coach Mike Tomlin was absolutely giddy.
The return set up Kenny Pickett and the first-team offense to use just three plays to get into the end zone again on a Jaylen Warren rushing touchdown.
Austin added a 14-yard punt return in the first quarter, a six-yard and a 12-yard return in the second quarter before others were asked to handle the duties in the second half of the game.
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