The Pittsburgh Steelers were without their starting quarterback Russell Wilson for the majority of training camp and one preseason game. Many thought this would give Justin Fields the edge in the quarterback battle, but Wilson managed to hang on to his starting role. Pittsburgh is currently preparing to kick off the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons, and Wilson's calf injury from the start of training camp is making headlines once again.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson points towards some of his teammates as the offense prepares to run a drill during 2024 mandatory minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
There was some worry that Wilson's calf injury wasn't completely healed, and more signs showed of that on Thursday as his calf was reported to be tight again. This is similar to what he was dealing with during training camp, which started when he was pushing a sled during the team's conditioning test. ESPN's Brooke Pryor reported the news on Wilson.
Russell Wilson was limited in practice today after reporting calf tightness, Mike Tomlin says.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 5, 2024
Asked if there was any long-term concern about Wilson’s calf, Tomlin said, “none.”
Head Coach Mike Tomlin has remained consistent in saying that this isn't a long-term concern. This is what he said at the start of training camp, before Wilson missed or was limited in about three straight weeks of practices. This isn't a good sign as the season gets underway, and fans may need to prepare to see some of Fields.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 OTAs.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Not Worried About Wilson's Injury
Tomlin seemed unworried when speaking to the media following practice on Thursday. He once again stated that Wilson's limited capacity was precautionary. Some of Wilson's teammates didn't even notice he was limited in practice, as Van Jefferson spoke to the media afterwards and was shocked to find out the calf injury has sprung up again.
Van Jefferson had no idea Russell Wilson was limited today. Take that for what it is worth
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 5, 2024
If Wilson is not at 100 percent for the game on Sunday, maybe Tomlin will consider starting Fields. At Wilson's age it's important not to take risks, especially after two other veteran quarterbacks suffered season-ending achilles injuries in 2023. Wilson could wake up on Friday and feel perfectly fine, or it could be an injury that only gets worse. He will be undergoing additional testing to see if there is anything else to be worried about, which Tomlin told the media.
Tomlin also said that Russell Wilson will be evaluated further after reporting tightness in the same calf that was injured during camp, and he was limited today out of an abundance of caution.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 5, 2024
Are you worried about Wilson's injury? Would you like to see Fields instead? Let us know in the comments below!
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