Calvin Austin only Steelers’ injury — though Najee Harris blames Thanksgiving dinner for leaving game

Chris Adamski | Sunday, December 1, 2024 6:55 p.m.

Chaz Palla | TribLive

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Calvin Austin III beats Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton for a touchdown during the second quarter of Sunday’s Steelers victory at Paycor Stadium. Austin later in the quarter left the game and was being evaluated for a concussion.

CINCINNATI — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III did not play after halftime of Sunday’s win against the Bengals and was being evaluated for a concussion after the game, coach Mike Tomlin said.

Austin, who had a 23-yard touchdown catch in the 44-38 victory, twice was subjected to hard hits during the first half. During the Steelers’ first offensive snap of the game, Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither was penalized for pass interference when he collided with Austin before Russell Wilson’s pass arrived 23 yards downfield.

Austin was attended to by medical personnel for several moments after the hit but back in the game before that possession ended.

Then, in the waning moments of the second quarter Austin again absorbed contact — this time from Cincinnati defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt after a 6-yard reception. Austin on this occasion walked off the field and did not give any outward signs he was injured.

But by early in the third quarter the Steelers had announced Austin was out because of a head injury and that his return was questionable.

Listed at 5-foot-9, 162 pounds, Austin is one of the smallest wide receivers in the league. Sunday’s game was the second consecutive in which he had a touchdown reception. Austin has 38 catches for 383 yards and four touchdowns this season, technically his third in the NFL but second on the field because Austin missed his 2022 rookie season because of a foot injury.

Banana fever

Tomlin listed only Austin when he discussed injuries after the game.

“Other than that,” he said, “it just appears bumps and bruises associated with play.”

Starting running back Najee Harris, though, sat out a first-quarter series. He did return, however, and ended up with 129 yards from scrimmage and a 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Asked after the game what caused him to miss time early during it, Harris cited a Thanksgiving celebration dinner.

“Jill,” Harris said to a puzzled media room. “Just Thanksgiving.”

Harris expanded, referencing dinner with tight end Pat Freiermuth.

“Pat’s girlfriend, Jill, she made this (delicious) little banana thing, and I had too much. So I guess I didn’t know it affected me until that first drive. So I blame her.

“I got some oranges, and I was good.”