Steelers' Quarterback Situation Making Life A "Nightmare" For Russell Wilson In Training Camp

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot of optimism surrounding their offense after an atrocious year in 2023, and much of that has to do with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both are new to the team for 2024, and each quarterback should be considered an upgrade over what the Steelers had at the position in 2023. Fans haven't been able to get a good look at Wilson so far in training camp, as he has been limited ever since the team reported to Latrobe, PA due to a minor calf injury.

Wilson has been limited, and was even ruled out of a few practices early due to precautionary reasons. Throughout the entire offseason, it has seemed like he has had the starting job locked up, but Fields has been able to put together a compelling training camp. Wilson will probably start to feel some pressure, as the gap between the two quarterbacks is considerably smaller than it has ever been. Former NFL quarterback, Chris Simms, recently discussed the quarterback situation on Pro Football Talk.

"That'd be a nightmare for me if I was in Russell Wilson's situation. It's a nightmare for him right now, he's going, 'Oh my gosh, I have to reprove myself, I'm on this new team here and I can't do anything.' And now, there's a guy with some special talents getting a leg up."

It's important Wilson doesn't rush to get back to full participation. He will be turning 36 during this upcoming season, and there has been an increase in calf injuries and Achilles tears across the league. Also, two of the older players at the position suffered the injury in 2023. This calf problem he is dealing with could be incredibly minor, but it's crucial to take precautionary measures.

Fields has plenty of starting experience in the NFL, and his athleticism and raw talent could easily challenge Wilson for the starting job. Fields hasn't been perfect, but he has been able to stack good practices on top of one another. If this type of consistency continues, fans could be looking at a legitimate, heated quarterback battle. Simms spoke more about how Wilson is probably feeling as he goes through this injury.

"It's your worst nightmare as a quarterback. Every quarterback's worst nightmare is that, 'Wait, I have a talented backup, and oh no, he's practicing and I'm not.' But add on all those things about Russell Wilson and I think you're exactly right in the political aspect of the game of, 'Wait, we're paying this guy all this money, we need to make him the starter or play him,' that's not there. He took the veteran minimum."

Not only could Wilson be in danger of Fields eclipsing him in the quarterback room, but this is also probably his last chance to be a serious starting quarterback in the NFL. He is coming off of two tumultuous seasons with the Denver Broncos, and he needs to prove he can play more like his old self. He is on the tail end of his career, and he can't afford to lose the starting gig with the Steelers. 

Steelers Don't Need To Feel Any Pressure To Play Wilson

Sometimes organizations make mistakes and sign players for way more than they are worth, which makes them feel pressure to start them. Think about the New York Giants and Daniel Jones, who is arguably overpaid -- which plays a big factor in him remaining the starting quarterback in the Big Apple. The opposite is true for Wilson. He is playing on a veteran minimum deal worth about $1.2 million. He is still being paid by Denver, but Pittsburgh owes him next to nothing.

This takes away all the pressure from just handing him the starting job. It's his first year with the team, and his cap hit is low. If he didn't play a down in 2024, it wouldn't matter. 

What do you think about the nightmare situation for Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!

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