Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III suffered a hamstring injury and is questionable to return in their Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Cornerback Brandin Echols was ruled out with a groin injury after exiting in the second quarter. Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling briefly left with a possible concussion but returned to the game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced several injury setbacks during their Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions on December 21, 2025, at Ford Field. Wide receiver and punt returner Calvin Austin III exited in the fourth quarter due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by senior director of communications Burt Lauten via Twitter. Prior to leaving, Austin recorded one reception for eight yards and one punt return for nine yards. Scotty Miller took over punt return duties in his absence.
Earlier, cornerback Brandin Echols sustained a groin injury in the second quarter while covering a completion to Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. Lauten initially listed Echols as doubtful to return, but he was later ruled out for the remainder of the game. Before the injury, Echols had four tackles. With James Pierre already sidelined by a calf injury, the Steelers shuffled their secondary, moving Jalen Ramsey to slot corner and elevating Daryl Porter from the practice squad.
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling also left the game in the third quarter after dropping a deep ball in the end zone from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and hitting his head or shoulder on the ground. He was evaluated for a possible concussion in the medical tent but was cleared from protocol and returned, according to the CBS broadcast. Valdes-Scantling had two targets before exiting but no catches in the game. This marks his third appearance for Pittsburgh since debuting in Week 14.
These injuries come as the Steelers' receiver room has seen changes, with the addition of Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen off waivers, reducing Austin's role. Coach Mike Tomlin noted Miller's reliability as a returner amid the turnover. The team will provide further updates post-game from Tomlin.
