Monday\u2019s \u201cFirst Call\u201d gets us up to speed on Calvin Austin\u2019s injury. Another former Pittsburgh Steeler suffered a scary hit in Buffalo, and we\u2019ll examine how some ex-Steelers did at wide receiver.<\/p>\n
That includes George Pickens, who had a big game for Dallas.<\/p>\n
Providing an update<\/p>\n
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin was injured early in the fourth quarter of the Steelers\u2019 24-21 victory Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Austin was ruled out with a shoulder injury and taken to a Dublin hospital to have his arm examined. But the third-year receiver did try to calm concerns on social media.<\/p>\n
Great Dub in Dublin! I’m all good Steelers Nation, appreciate the messages and concern!<\/p>\n
\u2014 CantCatchCal (@CalvinAustinIII) September 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n He had two catches for 13 yards and returned a pair of punts for 9 yards. <\/p>\n According to SteelersNow.com<\/a>, unlike most NFL stadiums, Croke Park does not have in-stadium X-ray capacity. So that may have been the need for the hospital trip.<\/p>\n For the Steelers\u2019 sake, Austin better be OK. They are already thin at wide receiver. On the upside, Pittsburgh does have a bye this week before facing Cleveland at home next week.<\/p>\n Pickens picks it up<\/p>\n George Pickens had a banner game for the Dallas Cowboys on \u201cSunday Night Football.\u201d<\/p>\n The former Steeler made this circus catch against the Green Bay Packers for 28 yards.<\/p>\n ARE YOU KIDDING GEORGE<\/p>\n ????: #GBvsDAL<\/a> on NBC \u2014 Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n He also scored twice, including a touchdown in the fourth quarter. <\/p>\n 4\ufe0f\u20e3 to 3\ufe0f\u20e3 for 7\ufe0f\u20e3!<\/p>\n ????: #GBvsDAL<\/a> on NBC \u2014 Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n DAK. PICKENS. @DALLASCOWBOYS<\/a> LEAD!<\/p>\n GBvsDAL on NBC \u2014 NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Pickens wound up with eight catches for 134 yards and two scores. The game itself ended up as a 40-40 tie.<\/p>\n The Cowboys need Pickens to be a consistent superstar while Cee Dee Lamb is out with a high ankle sprain<\/a>. <\/p>\n More sports<\/p>\n \u2022 Madden Monday: ‘Kenneth Gainwell should be the No. 1 running back’ even when Jaylen Warren returns<\/a> Juice from JuJu<\/p>\n Even though JuJu Smith-Schuster is no longer a Steeler, it\u2019s still good when he helps beat the Baltimore Ravens.<\/p>\n That\u2019s what happened Sunday in Kansas City. Smith-Schuster and his Chiefs teammates smoked the Ravens, 37-20. The 28-year-old wide receiver had four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown.<\/p>\n TO THE NINES ???? pic.twitter.com\/y2s4l7Xf8d<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n That was Smith-Schuster\u2019s first touchdown of the season. K.C. improved to 2-2 with the win, while Baltimore fell to 1-3. <\/p>\n Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had to leave the game with a hamstring injury. Linebacker Roquan Smith, defensive back Marlon Humphrey and cornerback Nate Wiggins all got hurt in that loss for Baltimore too. <\/p>\n Via ESPN.com<\/a>, that means that shortly after the start of the fourth quarter, the Ravens were without seven defensive starters.<\/p>\n Scary replay<\/p>\n The Steelers were very happy to sign punter Cameron Johnston prior to last season.<\/p>\n However, he was lost during Week 1 when one member of the Atlanta Falcons ran into his kicking leg<\/a>.<\/p>\n After Johnston lost the punter job to Corliss Waitman this year, the Buffalo Bills signed him. The native Australian had another scare on Sunday when the Saints crashed into his other leg trying to block a punt. Saints linebacker Nephi Sewell was flagged for roughing the punter.<\/p>\n Johnston got up in significant pain and threw his helmet. But he went to the sideline tent and came back with a knee brace to hold for a kick a few moments later.<\/p>\n P Cameron Johnston (Left Knee)<\/p>\n Johnston gets a direct blow to the inside portion of his left knee which is his plant leg.<\/p>\n Was able to walk on sidelines & returned with a brace to hold for a FG.<\/p>\n Hoping for a contusion or hyperextension.<\/p>\n Could also consider MCL\/LCL or meniscus. pic.twitter.com\/LV2JdHPqa1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) September 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Matt Prater\u2019s field goal attempt was good. Johnson was seen limping off the field after Buffalo\u2019s 31-19 victory, but no further update is known. <\/p>\n Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com<\/a> or via X<\/a>. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.<\/p>\n
????: Stream on NFL+ https:\/\/t.co\/RmDxAeCG4M<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TVN0U3MMg4<\/a><\/p>\n
????: Stream on NFL+ https:\/\/t.co\/RmDxAeCG4M<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qBgiKriQ4G<\/a><\/p>\n
Stream on @NFLPlus<\/a> + Peacock pic.twitter.com\/dpXf6tOXLH<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2022 Feats of Strength: DK’s big play, Kenny G’s TDs key Steelers win in Ireland<\/a>
\u2022 WR Calvin Austin sustains shoulder injury, heads to hospital during Steelers’ win against Vikings<\/a><\/p>\n