CALVIN AUSTIN III
Wide Receiver
Coming into Saturday's game in Baltimore, WR Calvin Austin III was second on the team with 9 catches of 20-plus yards, and with George Pickens out for a third straight game with a hamstring injury, he seemed to be the Steelers' best down-the-field option against a Ravens defense that had allowed only a pass play of 20-or-more yards since the first meeting between these teams back on Nov. 17.
That turned out to be the case, because of Austin's 4 receptions for 65 yards (16.3 average) one was a pretty catch deep down the sideline for a 44-yard gain that started a third quarter drive that covered 88 yards in 8 plays and ended with a touchdown that tied the game, 17-17, with 5:14 remaining in the third quarter. Austin is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week.
Also considered were FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, who finished with 6 tackles, including 1 in the open field on Lamar Jackson that might have saved a touchdown, an interception, and 2 passes defensed; RB Jaylen Warren, who had 48 yards rushing (4.0 average) and 5 catches for 44 yards (8.8 average) to finish with 92 yards from scrimmage on 12 touches; ILB Patrick Queen, who led the team with 8 tackles and had a pass defensed; and OLB Alex Highsmith, who had 4 tackles, the team's only sack, and a forced fumble.
