Miles

Austin

An offensive quality control coach, Austin worked alongside Robert Saleh with the 49ers in 2019 before spending 2020 out of the league. Still only 36 years old, Austin will provide a recent perspective to a promising but unproven Jets receiver corps, one highlighted by second-year pro Denzel Mims. Ausin experienced some high highs and low lows during his 10-year career, seeing it all as a Pro Bowler and chronic injury sufferer.

It’s an entry-level position as 34-year-old Austin begins to pursue a career in coaching. He will be joining Wes Welker as a new addition to coach Kyle Shanahan’s adventurous staff.

Austin is on track to play against the Jets, but it’s a bad matchup with Darrelle Revis looming. Rotoworld ranks Austin 19th among fantasy receivers this week.

Austin threatens to be at less than 100 percent and has Darrelle Revis on the slate. He’s still a fine WR3, but consider other options if you have depth.

Sources tell ESPN Dallas that Austin is “not expected to play” in Week 3 against the Redskins, and the Cowboys want to make sure the lingering hamstring strain heals before bringing him back. Per ESPN’s report, “it is possible” Austin could play in Week 4 (October 2 against the Lions), but more likely to the Cowboys hold him out through the bye. Austin’s absence is likely to translate to more targets for both Jason Witten and Dez Bryant.

Austin finished with a monster stat line, hauling in nine passes for 143 yards and three touchdowns. He started slow, failing to haul in any of his first six targets. The second quarter was another story, as Austin caught a ball five yards out and took it 53-yards to the house untouched after CB Carlos Rogers slipped. His second touchdown was a great grab on a 5-yard toss from Jon Kitna. The third was a beautiful, leaping catch over Madieu Williams. He may not see 15 targets when Dez Bryant returns, but it’s clear Austin is a focal point of the offense and capable of putting up elite numbers on a weekly basis.

The idea would be to make sure Austin’s hamstring has fully healed, let Dez Bryant “replace” him as the go-to receiver, and bring Austin back after a three-week stint on the shelf. Jerry Jones speaks openly on injury situations, so expect another update shortly. Austin destroyed the 49ers for 143 yards and three TDs on nine catches Sunday. He’s already got four scores on the year.

Austin isn’t likely to return before the Cowboys’ Week 5 bye. Kevin Ogletree will start in his place on Monday against the Redskins.

The Cowboys are out of their bye and in preparations for next week’s game against the Patriots. And just as he promised, Austin is practicing with his teammates. He’s on track to be a WR1 play versus New England’s league-worst pass defense. Note that Dez Bryant (quad) was also participating in the light workout.

“It feels good,” Austin said. “Absolutely not an issue.” Owner Jerry Jones lamented over the weekend that the injuries were entirely to blame for Austin’s decline in production last season. Neither Jones nor Austin is worried that the hamstrings will be a recurring problem going forward.