Giants WR Calvin Austin out for season with torn ACL
Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III will miss the upcoming season after tearing the ACL in his right knee, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Austin suffered the injury while running a route during a one-on-one drill at Tuesday's training camp practice.
Austin, 27, crumpled to the ground while running step for step with cornerback Deonte Banks and immediately grabbed his right knee as the practice field went quiet. Giants trainers called for a cart, and owner John Mara went over to console Austin on the side field before he was taken away for further evaluation. Teammates came over to wish him well, and the quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs huddled in a circle to say a lengthy prayer.
Austin signed with the Giants this offseason on a one-year deal as a free agent after spending the first four years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had 31 catches for 372 yards with three touchdowns last season and was set to play a significant role as the Giants' slot receiver.
With Austin out, Braxton Berrios worked as the slot receiver with the first-team offense. The injury could also open the door for veteran Odell Beckham Jr., who has been working primarily with the second-team offense and has seemingly been on the roster bubble. Beckham had one of his strongest days of the summer at Tuesday's practice, catching four passes in live drills, including a pair from starting quarterback Jaxson Dart.