I don't know about 'phased out'- unless a rookie or 2nd year player really elevates in a significant way. But Austin is on notice and now year-to-year. It's really too bad that the Rams didn't just pick up his 2017 option and leave it at that. Austin would be now getting ready to prove himself in a free agent year.
He's going to have to show better hands, route running, and smarts about the game to stay with this team past 2017. I hope he does it but we'll see.
