The Pittsburgh Steelers thought their dramatic quarterback situation had come to a close when Head Coach Mike Tomlin named Russell Wilson the starter. However, the question of which quarterback will start popped up again when Wilson re-aggravated his calf injury that he suffered at the beginning of training camp. During camp, the injury gave Justin Fields plenty of opportunities to showcase what he can do with the starters on offense, and the team and coaching staff have full confidence if Fields needs to step into the starting role.
AP
Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson (3) and Justin Fields (2) during training camp.
Wilson's injury popped up again on Thursday ahead of the Steelers' season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. He was limited on Thursday, and then even more limited on Friday as he watched on for the majority of practice. This is all likely a precaution, as the team doesn't want the injury to get worse and Wilson's age is certainly a factor as well.
Individual period today featured Steelers QB Justin Fields throwing the ball and Russell Wilson, who was limited with calf tightness yesterday, watching on. pic.twitter.com/OhSUT73VTP
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 6, 2024
This is similar to how Wilson appeared at practices at the start of training camp. He would stand on the side and take mental reps, but was extremely limited physically. The veteran is clearly nowhere near 100 percent, and starting Fields may be the smart move for the Steelers in Week 1 in order to avoid worsening Wilson's nagging calf injury. The team should want it to be fully healed so it doesn't pop up again later in the season.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Calvin Austin III during training camp in 2024.
Wilson was held out of the start of training camp due to precautionary measures, and the Steelers could very well decide to do the same thing to begin the season. Wilson obviously wants to play, but the quarterback also understands that if the injury gets even worse, he probably won't be able to play at all during the 2024 season. He spoke to the media after practice on Friday, where he was asked many questions about his status and injury.
"I gotta be smart. I want to play in all 20 games." Russell Wilson
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) September 6, 2024
The quarterback showed a lot of ambition with that answer -- insinuating that the Steelers will march through the playoffs and go all the way to the Super Bowl. Pittsburgh certainly has a roster that can go on a run, but it will all come down to the play of the quarterback position. Unfortunately for Wilson, a fully-healthy Fields probably gives the Steelers a better chance to win in Atlanta during Week 1.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) during the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2024 OTAs.
Steelers QB Russell Wilson's Game Status Still Up In The Air
Based off of how Tomlin has handled injury situations since the start of training camp, it can be assumed that the Steelers will probably hold Wilson out of the game on Sunday as a precautionary measure, which would give him more time to recover. Wilson was asked by the media if he still had expectations to start on Sunday, and his response was a bit murky.
Asked Russell Wilson if he expected to start on Sunday: “I’m trying to get my body ready to go and rock and roll. Just doing everything we can.”
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 6, 2024
No real clarity there
Fans may not know who the starting quarterback will be until the offense trots out on the field on Sunday. If Wilson is near 100 percent, it seems like he will start. If the quarterback feels the way he did at practice on Friday, the keys will probably be handed over to Fields. This has the potential to be a big opportunity for Fields. If he can play well and get the team a win, he might be able to retain the starting job even once Wilson returns to full health.
Who do you want to see start Week 1? Let us know in the comments below!
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