A rough practice turned worse for the New York Giants on Tuesday when wide receiver Calvin Austin was carted off the field with what was described as a “serious knee injury.”
Austin went down during 1-on-1 drills while running a route, and the reaction around the field was immediate. Teammates looked on with concern as trainers tended to him.
Wide receivers and defensive backs could barely watch, the rest of the team stopped its work, and players gathered around before forming a prayer circle. Practice eventually resumed, but not before the entire group wished him well as the cart took Austin off the field.
Adam Schefter described the injury as serious, and MRI results are expected to deliver the next update.
Austin had signed with the Giants in free agency this spring on a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million. The former Steelers receiver had been competing for slot and depth roles, and he had put together a strong offseason program. Earlier reports this summer had him among the top options behind the starters.
The timing is brutal for a Giants receiving group already dealing with injuries. Malik Nabers is still working back from knee surgery, and other veterans are battling issues of their own. With multiple players already sidelined, a unit that looked solid a week ago suddenly has a lot more pressure on its depth.
Austin had also been productive during camp, giving the staff a versatile option thanks to his speed and return ability. Now the Giants are left waiting on the MRI and trying to absorb another hit to a thin wide receiver room heading into the final preseason stretch. Odell Beckham Jr. and other veterans may now have a clearer path to the final 53.
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