Steelers Have ‘Easy Button Option’ to Replace Injured Calvin Austin III: Reporter
The Pittsburgh Steelers received a positive injury update on wide receiver Calvin Austin III on Friday. But that doesn’t mean the Steelers couldn’t still target a receiver such as Allen Lazard on the NFL trade market.
PennLive.com’s Nick Farabaugh included Lazard on his short list of potential external possibilities to replace Austin.
“Another veteran who is not the focal point of the offense he plays in anymore, Lazard feels like the type of player who is the easy button option for the Steelers,” Farabaugh wrote. He brings a bigger, physical presence than the Steelers have in the room and the Aaron Rodgers connection is obvious.
Lazard is in his eighth NFL season. The 2025 campaign is the first season he isn’t teammates with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The receiver became teammates with Rodgers late in his rookie year. Lazard first joined the Green Bay Packers practice squad in December 2018. He made his NFL debut during Week 17 of that season.
Over the next four years, he became a regular contributor and starter for the Packers. Lazard followed Rodgers to the New York Jets in 2023.
What WR Allen Lazard Could Bring to the Steelers
Lazard remains a depth receiver in New York. He’s played just 66 offensive snaps while appearing in three games this season.
Farabaugh argued Lazard might be a better fit back with his old quarterback in Pittsburgh. The Steelers could benefit too.
“So far this season, Lazard has just three catches, and while he was eager to prove himself away from Rodgers it might be better for him to settle back into a comfortable pocket,” wrote Farabaugh.
There would be little learning curve for Lazard, too, which would help the Steelers get an instant boost of help to their wide receiver room.
Lazard’s best statistical season came in 2022 when he had 60 catches for 788 receiving yards. The 29-year-old caught a career-high eight touchdowns in 2021.
During 2021, Rodgers won his fourth MVP award.
Last season, Lazard had 37 catches for 530 yards. He also had six touchdowns, which was just one behind Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams.
Calvin Austin III Injury Update
Lazard would check a lot of boxes for the Steelers. Obviously, he wouldn’t need much time to get acclimated to Rodgers. But maybe most importantly, more than anything, Lazard would be cheap veteran insurance.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported Friday that x-rays on Austin’s shoulder were negative. DeFabo added that he is unsure when Austin might return to the field.
It’s likely Austin missing some time. But if he’s only out a couple weeks, the Steelers are unlikely to acquire a receiver who’s going to supplant Austin in the starting lineup.
Pundits have encouraged the Steelers to make such a move. But the organization has repeatedly expressed confidence in Austin.
The Steelers also have 2024 third-rounder Roman Wilson on the roster. Wilson hasn’t received many opportunities this season. If the Steelers add a receiver through a trade this month, it should a potential upgrade but also a wideout who won’t stunt Wilson’s development if the 24-year-old suddenly begins to shine.
Lazard fits that description. Because of his NFL experience and rapport with Rodgers, he could be Pittsburgh’s WR2. But he also could fulfill a WR4 role.
The Steelers are potentially in the market for a receiver because Austin suffered a shoulder injury during Week 4. The wideout underwent testing at a Dublin hospital after sustaining the injury.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac initially reported Austin was expected to miss several weeks. But updates since then have been more positive.
One update came from Austin himself, where he said he was “all good” in a social media post.
Along with Lazard, Farabaugh named Buffalo Bills’ Curtis Samuel and Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce as potential receiver options for the Steelers.
Shedeur Sanders Set to Make Browns Debut - Cleveland’s New Era Begins!
The Browns' quarterback situation continues to evolve as the team carefully plans its next move for the future under center.
The Cleveland Browns have officially turned the page at quarterback. Cleveland has benched veteran Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. However, another young signal-caller continues to generate significant attention within the organization. Fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, who is expected to play at some point this season once fully prepared.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns plan to give Sanders his opportunity only after he completes a full week of practice with a game plan specifically designed to match his strengths. The decision reflects Cleveland’s cautious approach to developing the former Colorado star. Sanders entered the league with both elite collegiate production and immense expectations as the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders.
However, after each practice, Sanders reportedly puts in extra work with fellow reserves. He's focused on refining his mechanics and command of the offense. One team source shared that “his development happens every day,” though Gabriel has remained ahead of him since training camp. The Browns believe throwing Sanders into live action without a proper system built around him would be unfair and could hinder his long-term growth.
It's a matter of when, not if, for the Browns and Shedeur Sanders
While Sanders has yet to take a snap, he remains a compelling part of Cleveland’s plans. He made headlines earlier this month for miming his way through a locker room media session following criticism over comments comparing himself to current NFL starters. Behind the antics lies a player eager to prove himself.
Sanders was one of college football’s most efficient passers last season. He completed 74% of his attempts for 4,134 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Despite taking 94 sacks over his final two years at Colorado, he left with the highest career completion percentage in FBS history at 71.8%.
With Deshaun Watson on injured reserve and the Browns evaluating multiple young quarterbacks, it seems only a matter of time before Sanders takes the field. Cleveland’s staff believes that when the moment arrives, the game plan and Sanders will be ready.
