Steelers Insider Thinks Calvin Austin III Will Only See 10-15 Offensive Snaps Per Game In 2023

Heading into the offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers had several needs throughout its roster. The team had its top two wideouts set in stone in Diontae Johnson and George Pickens, but the depth behind them was questionable at best. Calvin Austin III, the 2022 fourth-rounder who has yet to see a snap in the NFL, was slated to be the likely No. 3. That wasn’t enough insurance or experience, as this became an issue after the team traded away Chase Claypool in the midst of the 2022 season.

Now there’s no doubt that the Steelers have zero regrets about that trade, as they were able to use the Chicago Bears’ second-round pick to select Joey Porter Jr. back in April. Still, the departure of Claypool left a void. That’s when, out of nowhere, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan traded for veteran Allen Robinson. It was a calculated move, as Khan told media that the team had been eyeing veteran playmakers for months. 

Robinson caught their eye, and they were able to complete a deal with the Los Angeles Rams. Now, the team can feel confident in its top four in the wide receiver room. Beyond that, Miles Boykin and Gunner Olszewski leave a lot to be desired on the offensive side of things, as they’re more known as special teams pieces. Robinson has already made his impact felt in Pittsburgh though, particularly off the field. 

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has raved about the leadership from offseason acquisitions like Robinson, Patrick Peterson, and Elandon Roberts. Set to enter his 10th NFL season, the Penn State product offers stability for the Steelers. Just days away from the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks the veteran is the team’s clear No. 3 wideout. 

“I agree,” Fittipaldo said in reference to Robinson being a better option than Austin at this point. “Robinson is the clear No. 3 among the WRs. Depends on opponents and matchups, of course, but Austin should get 10-15 snaps a game.”

This shouldn’t be a surprise, as Robinson has ran with the first-team offense throughout the summer. Perhaps the most surprising part is the fact that Fittipaldo sees Austin only getting 10-15 reps on offense. To be fair, Austin has the talent to be the No. 3 guy, but it’s unknown how he will perform in the NFL. If the preseason was any indication, the Steelers will be in good shape. 

The speedster out of Memphis outran coverage for a 67-yard touchdown in the preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His 4.32 speed was on full display, and he ended the exhibition matches with four catches total and 93 yards. While it only seems like a matter of time before he sees an increased role, it seems like the Steelers are in no hurry. With Pickens and Johnson being outside guys, it will allow Robinson to man the slot position. 

There, he will be asked to rely on his ability to pick apart coverages, something the veteran is used to at this point in his career. For that, he likely is the better, more consistent guy to start in the slot. It’s important to remember that Austin has more on his plate than just wide receiver. With the departure of Steven Sims this offseason, Austin has established himself as the team’s primary punt returner. 

That includes over Olszewski, who struggled mightily in that area in 2022. Austin flashed there in the preseason too, as he had five returns for an impressive 107 yards. With that, there’s essentially no reason for them to take him off the coverage teams now. That is, until he becomes a core piece of the offense. Based off Fittipaldo’s comments, along with the depth chart, it seems like the team won’t rush Austin into extended reps on offense. 

The Robinson trade was meant for this exact reason, which is to allow the speedster to develop and grow in his first true NFL season. There’s no doubt amongst fans though, it will only be a matter of time before Austin sees starter-like snaps.

Do you agree with Fittipaldo's prediction that Austin will only get 10-to-15 offensive snaps per contest? Do you think he will overtake Robinson as the No. 3 wide receiver at some point in 2023?