Giants Lose Wide Receiver To Season-Ending Injury

August 27, 2026
The New York Giants' receiver room took a significant hit, and it's already changing the team's plans before the season even begins.

Wide receiver Calvin Austin III tore his ACL during a one-on-one drill at practice, and will miss the entire 2026 season. 

Austin crumpled to the ground while running step for step with cornerback Deonte Banks and was carted off the field, with teammates gathering around him and owner John Mara coming over to check on him as the severity of the injury became clear.

Fresh Start Cut Short Immediately

Austin signed a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million with New York this offseason after spending his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he caught 84 passes for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns, including a go-ahead score against Baltimore that helped secure Pittsburgh's AFC North title in his final game there. 

The move to New York was meant to fill the void left by Wan'Dale Robinson's departure in free agency and give Austin his clearest path yet to a true full-time starting role as the team's slot receiver. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy addressed the loss plainly. "It would be a blow, but the next guy's got to step up and play," Nagy said.

Who Steps Into The Void

Braxton Berrios has already taken over as the first-team slot receiver in practice, and Austin's absence could also open the door for veteran Odell Beckham Jr., who caught four passes in live drills the same day Austin went down, including two from starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. 

New York's receiver group behind Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton now includes Berrios, Beckham, Darnell Mooney, third-round pick Malachi Fields, and Dalen Cambre. 

Social Media Feature Preview
Go To: NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors | NHL Rumors