IRVING - Miles Austin was among a number of players who received a text message from Terrell Owens late Wednesday saying that Owens was no longer a member of the Cowboys.
Like many of his teammates, Austin said he was surprised by the move. Suddenly, he finds himself in position, along with Patrick Crayton, to compete for the starting wide receiver spot opposite Roy Williams.
"Obviously, it's an opportunity, and I'm excited for the challenge," Austin said. "It gives me a shot now to get more time and also show the coaches what I can do. But when it's all said and done, you still have to perform when they call on you."
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said Thursday on NFL Network that part of the reason for Owens' release was the belief Jones has in some of the team's younger receivers, and Austin is at the top of that list.
Austin earned a roster spot as an undrafted free agent out of Monmouth in 2006 and has slowly moved up the ranks - from special teamer and kick returner to a potential speed threat at wide receiver.
The Cowboys think so highly of Austin that they placed the $1.545 million tender on him as a restricted free agent. As a result, another team would have to send a second-round pick to the Cowboys if it wanted to acquire Austin.
The Cowboys like Austin's combination of size (6-3, 216) and speed, which he flashed at times last season, finishing with 13 catches for 278 yards and three touchdowns.
But two knee injuries - one suffered in the preseason and another in Week 11 at Washington - kept Austin out of four games last season, just as he appeared on the verge of becoming a bigger part of the offense.
Austin had two catches for 115 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown grab, in a 27-16 win over Green Bay in Week 3. He also had a crucial, third-down catch a play before Martellus Bennett's 25-yard, game-winning touchdown reception in a 14-10 win at Washington in Week 11.
In three seasons, Austin has 18 catches for 354 yards, so the Cowboys will not ask him to replace Owens, who has the second-most touchdown receptions, fifth-most receiving yards and sixth-most catches in NFL history.
"I wouldn't say there's any added pressure, not at all," Austin said. "I take every day, every game, every practice and have the same type of intensity.
"I'm not going to change or do anything different. I'm going to continue to be who I am and continue to work on perfecting my craft."
By the numbers
Miles Austin's career statistics:
Season Games Rec. Yds TDs
2006 9 0 0 0
2007 16 5 76 0
2008 12 13 278 3
Totals 37 18 354 3
