Steelers third-year WR making strong impression on coach

The Steelers coaching staff has made it clear that they are not concerned with naming a No. 2 wide receiver.

However, whether Pittsburgh wants to put a label on it or not, the team is going to need to replace the production of wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Carolina Panthers in March.

Over the past five years, Johnson has amassed 391 catches for 4,363 yards and 25 touchdowns.

Who that player or players will be is up for debate, but wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has had a positive early impression of third-year wide receiver Calvin Austin III.

"He's been outstanding," Azzanni said. "He's a worker. He's intentful. He's urgent. He wants to be coached and you can see it."

Austin, a fourth-round pick in 2022, missed his entire rookie season after suffering a foot injury that kept him on injured reserve for the remainder of the year.

Expectations did not go away for the 25-year-old heading into 2023 as fans were excited to finally see his 4.32-second 40-yard dash speed put on display.

However, that is hardly what happened. Outside of a 72-yard touchdown in Week 3, Austin was held in check, finishing his second season with just 17 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown.

Now heading into his third year in the league, he sees a chance to finally make a jump.

"Oh yeah, most definitely. It's out there," Austin stated. "My focus is on every day get better. I know if I do that, everything else will work itself out."

That will start with building a rapport with new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, but Austin believes that is already off to a great start.

"Just reps, being consistent, just showing up to work every day," Austin added. "Talking on and off the field. Once you do that, it'll just all come together."

Austin may not develop into the legitimate No. 2 wide receiver the Steelers are looking for with most of his reps coming out of the slot, but he has a chance to contribute more than he has and help fill the void left by Johnson.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted