Over the past decade, most, if not all, of the Steelers’ top receivers have started as dynamic punt returners. Steelers receivers like Antonio Brown, Juju Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson were all incredibly successful as punt returners, eventually developing into phenomenal receivers for Pittsburgh. One Week 8 receiver seemingly had his career breakthrough and turning point, as WR Calvin Austin electrified both the New York Giants’ secondary and special teams unit.

In the third quarter of his team’s game, with the score tied at 9-9, Austin knew he had to make a splash. He stepped up when the team needed him most, returning a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. He further solidified his position as WR2 when he got a 29-yard TD reception from QB Russell Wilson, his second touchdown of the night.

There has been a lot of speculation and trade rumors about the Steelers’ need to have an elite-caliber receiver opposite WR1 George Pickens, but scoring twice on the night and racking up 54 receiving yards on just three receptions should prove why Austin is the WR2 Pittsburgh has been looking for. .

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Did Pittsburgh find its WR2 in Week 8 win over the NY Giants?