Steelers' Mike Tomlin Provides A Huge Update On Russell Wilson's Health Status Ahead Of Week 6

The Pittsburgh Steelers made two significant additions to their quarterback room during the 2024 offseason. They began by signing nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran minimum. Shortly after, they traded with the Chicago Bears to acquire another quarterback, Justin Fields.

Excitement surrounds Wilson's potential impact on the offense. Throughout his career, he has been recognized as an elite quarterback known for his exceptional deep-ball throwing ability. However, his last two seasons with the Denver Broncos were disappointing, ultimately leading the team to pay millions to part ways with him. Now in the Steel City, Wilson is eager to demonstrate to football fans just how talented he can be. Unfortunately, a calf injury has kept him sidelined for the entire regular season so far.

In Wilson's absence, Fields has stepped up admirably. Through five games, he has posted a 3-2 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 961 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. He has also been a threat on the ground, scoring three rushing touchdowns. However, following a recent loss to the Dallas Cowboys, some Steelers fans are beginning to hope for Wilson to reclaim the starting role soon. On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin provided a significant update on Wilson's health status.

"We’re in a little bit [of a] different place as I stand here today with Russ this week than we have been in recent weeks. I just met with him and the training staff in preparation for tomorrow. Tomorrow will be the first Wednesday that he will be a scheduled full participant."

Tomlin acknowledged that the Steelers are in a better position regarding Wilson's health. While Wilson's injury has provided Fields with additional opportunities, he has performed admirably in his absence. 

Despite this, Tomlin still sees Wilson as the team’s best chance to win in 2024. He elaborated on what he needs to see from Wilson to make him the starter for Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

"We will see where that leads us. First, we will see if he is able to obviously pull it off and get through the session. If he does, what does the quality of that work look like, and what is his ability to protect himself?"

Tomlin has made it clear that Wilson will be working with the backups, as he doesn't want to disrupt Fields' preparation leading up to the game against the Raiders.

"He’s at the point of health now where we can work on Wednesday without restriction and so we will do so. He will get reps with the second unit to not disrupt Justin’s preparation and then we will see where all of that leads us as we push through the week."

It no longer seems guaranteed that Fields will start in Week 6. The Steelers appear to be planning to reinstate Wilson as the starter once he is fully healthy. However, it sounds like he has been healthy.

Reports indicate that Wilson has been healthy for two weeks, but the team is exercising caution with the 35-year-old veteran. Tomlin seems to believe that having Wilson healthy for AFC North play is pivotal.

Steelers Are Being Very Careful With Russell Wilson

Wilson played in the preseason, and some speculate that it may have aggravated his calf injury. He sustained the injury without displaying symptoms, which is why the Steelers are being particularly careful with him. While Fields has brought excitement to the field, the offense still struggles to put up significant points, leaving fans curious about what the unit could look like with Wilson at the helm.

Steelers fans may soon witness that reality. It will be intriguing to see how Wilson performs in practice and when the Steelers decide to start him. The likely scenario is that, at some point, Wilson will reclaim the starting job. The question on the minds of Steelers fans is when that will happen.

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