New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III will miss the entire season after tearing his ACL during a one-on-one drill at practice on Tuesday. The injury was confirmed by testing, ending his season before it began.
The severity of the injury was apparent during practice when Austin was carted off the field, an event that caused the team's activities to halt. Team owner John Mara reportedly followed Austin's cart to offer support.
Austin was anticipated to be the Giants' third-string slot receiver. However, this role was expected to be limited due to the team's offensive scheme, which leans towards heavy packages involving a fullback and multiple tight ends, including Isaiah Likely in the slot on early downs.
Austin signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Giants in March, a deal intended as a prove-it opportunity. He is set to become a free agent after the season. His absence reshapes the receiver depth chart ahead of Sunday's roster cuts. The current projected depth includes Malik Nabers, Darnell Mooney, Darius Slayton, Malachi Fields, Braxton Berrios, and Odell Beckham Jr.
Following Austin's injury, Braxton Berrios and Dalen Cambre took over reps in the slot during practice. Cambre could be an addition to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
Darnell Mooney, who had one of his best practices of the summer before Austin's injury, might be utilized in the slot in three-wide receiver formations. Mooney has previous experience playing inside, having spent over 200 snaps in the slot in each of the last two seasons with the Falcons. Earlier in his career with the Bears, he played more frequently in the slot under Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
"Anytime you see a player go down, your heart feels for those guys because you know how much they’ve invested into the game," said special teams coordinator Chris Horton. Austin was also a backup punt returner for the team.