The New York Giants suffered a major setback before the end of the preseason. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III suffered a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the entire 2026 NFL season.
The injury occurred during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 25, when Austin went down during an individual drill and had to leave the field on a cart. Further testing confirmed the diagnosis, making the receiver a significant loss for a team that is still finalizing its roster.
What happened to Calvin Austin?
Austin was injured during a one-on-one drill against cornerback Deonte Banks. The receiver went down after his right knee gave way while running his route.
The Giants initially did not know the exact severity of the problem. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy acknowledged that the scene was concerning, but the final diagnosis came after medical testing.
The ACL tear means Austin now faces a lengthy rehabilitation process and will not be able to compete for a role in New York's offense during the regular season.
A significant loss for the Giants
The injury is particularly significant because Austin had been gaining ground during his first training camp with the Giants. The receiver joined New York after spending his first three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was trying to become a useful piece of the offense.
His biggest asset is speed, but Austin can contribute in several ways. During the preseason, he had shown an ability to work as a receiver, occasional runner and punt returner.
During his time with Pittsburgh, he recorded 84 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. Although those numbers did not yet make him a primary receiver, his versatility gave him value within an offense looking for different ways to create explosive plays.
Who can replace Calvin Austin?
The Giants will have to redistribute the opportunities that had been available to Austin. Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney and Darius Slayton remain important pieces of the receiver group, while other players will have to take advantage of additional repetitions.
The situation could also create an opportunity for Odell Beckham Jr. The veteran receiver is trying to earn a roster spot after not playing in 2025 and has shown positive signs during training camp.
Replacing Austin, however, may not depend on one player. His ability to contribute on special teams and in different offensive roles means the Giants could distribute his responsibilities among several players.
The timing makes the situation even more difficult
The injury occurred only days before the Giants' final preseason game against the New York Jets. After that game, the team will have to make its final decisions and build its 53-man roster.
That leaves New York with little time to evaluate who can take over Austin's responsibilities and whether an additional roster move is necessary.
The organization must also determine who can become its primary punt return option, another role in which Austin provided value.
Another challenge for Jaxson Dart's offense
Austin's absence also changes the situation around quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Giants are trying to build a more explosive offense, and every player capable of creating big plays has added value during that transition.
Dart will now work with a slightly different receiving group than coaches had expected during training camp. Chemistry with Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton and the rest of the group will become even more important.
For the Giants, the immediate priority will be finding a collective solution before the season begins. For Calvin Austin, the goal has changed completely: begin rehabilitation and work toward returning to the field in 2027.