New York Giants WR Calvin Austin carted off practice field
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants wide receiver Calvin Austin III suffered a "serious" injury to his right knee while running a route at Tuesday's training camp practice, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Austin crumpled to the ground during a one-on-one drill while running step for step with cornerback Deonte Banks. He immediately grabbed his right knee as the practice field went quiet.
The Giants trainers quickly called for a cart. Austin's teammates all came over, including those on the other side of the field, to wish their teammate well before he was carted off.
The quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive backs huddled in a circle to say a lengthy prayer. Giants owner John Mara even went over to console Austin on the side field before he was taken away for further evaluation.
"It didn't look good," a source told ESPN.
Austin is set to undergo an MRI to determine the exact nature of the damage. There wasn't much optimism Tuesday afternoon.
Austin was signed by the Giants to a one-year deal this offseason as a free agent. He was going to play a significant role in the team's offense as their slot receiver.
"It would be a blow," offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. "But I think the beautiful part of what [coach John Harbaugh] has done with us as a staff and as a team, his message this whole time has been positivity of understanding that the next guy's got to step up and play. And everyone says that. But that's what's real. And so we feel like we have a great amount of competition and depth here.
"And the next guy's got to do that. And so if it does go that route, that's a part of football. It happens across the league. And it sucks. But that's what's real."
Braxton Berrios served as the slot receiver with the first-team offense in Austin's absence. If the injury turns out to be severe, it could also open the door for veteran Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham's been working primarily with the second-team offense and has seemingly been on the roster bubble. He had one of his strongest days of the summer at Tuesday's practice with four catches in live drills, including a pair from starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney also had one of his best practices of the summer Tuesday.
Austin, 27, signed with the Giants this offseason 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.
