The uncertainty surrounding the Steelers’ quarterback situation appeared to be resolved last week when coach Mike Tomlin announced Russell Wilson as the team’s QB1.
However, after Wilson aggravated his calf Thursday and was limited in practice Friday, his status as the starter is in question for Sunday’s season opener in Atlanta because the team listed him as questionable on the official injury report. Backup Justin Fields would be in line to start if Wilson is unable to play.
“If I can go, I’m going to go and try to do everything I can to help us win,” Wilson said Friday. “That’s how I think about it. If not, I will also do everything I can to help us win that way.”
Russell Wilson’s status sounds questionable for Sunday.
“If I can go, I’m going to go and try to do everything I can to help us win … if not, I’ll do everything I can to help us win that way, too.
“I’ll do anything you know to be ready to rock.” pic.twitter.com/DOJ1Vs02ZA
– Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) 6 September 2024
Wilson first injured his calf on July 24 while pushing a sled during the team’s conditioning test. The 35-year-old was significantly limited during the first two weeks of training camp in Latrobe, Penn., and also missed the first preseason game on Aug. 9.
The former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos QB finally made his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills on August 17th. However, even after playing five series, Wilson revealed that he is still dealing with the calf when he said: “I know what I am. when I am one hundred percent.” Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also indicated that Wilson was less than healthy, saying the team limited the playbook — staying away from zone reads or bootlegs, for example — as a way to try to protect the QB.
As Week 1 approached, it appeared the injury was behind Wilson. But even before team periods began Thursday, Wilson threw routes up in the air when he reported what the team is calling calf stiffness. He underwent further tests on Thursday and said it did not reveal anything worrisome.
“I just felt a little tight and wanted to be smart about it,” Wilson said, downplaying the injury. “Obviously, we play on Sunday. I hope I will be in it. Just trying to be ready.”
On Friday, Wilson did not participate in the dynamic warm-up with his teammates before practice, nor did he take reps during a route-on-air segment open to the media for filming. Fields said he took the first-team reps during team periods.
This is Russell Wilson, who left yesterday’s practice after reporting what the team is calling a calf strain.
You be the judge pic.twitter.com/pO3zztE7fE
– Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) 6 September 2024
Even if Wilson can play through the pain, the Steelers must consider the risk of further injury and the impact the ailing calf will have on his mobility. Wilson has always been a QB who likes to operate outside of structure and buy himself time to hit his trademark deep ball. If he is unable to move comfortably, that could be as big a problem as the injury itself.
This preseason, pass protection has been an issue for the Steelers. Wilson was sacked three times in the six total series he played that preseason. If he is unable to move freely, the Steelers will have to take that into account when choosing which quarterback to start.
“The most important thing is tons of treatment and getting ready to see what I can do every day and take it day by day,” Wilson said. “I’ll do everything I can to be ready.”
As for Fields, experience has also taught him to stay prepared.
“I learned my rookie year how quickly things can change,” Fields said. “I remember my third game, freshman season, Andy Dalton just went out. It looked like a normal play and he tweaked his knee. Right then and there I was. I always prepare like I’m the starter.”
In the event he is thrust into the starting lineup, Fields is in a better position than most backups. He enjoyed the advantage of working extensively with the first-team offense and starting one of the three preseason games during Wilson’s initial injury absences.
It also helps Fields that the Steelers installed a specific package that highlights the former Bears QB’s dynamic mobility, so he knew he was going to play in some shape or fashion. The question is whether he’ll come off the bench for a select series of plays or whether he’ll take the initial snap as a starter.
“You really can’t ride the wave of emotions,” Fields said. “You really have to keep feelings out of it. Really my job is to be the best player I can be for this team, whether that’s starting, whether that’s the backup. … My job is to be there for the team and do everything I can to make us successful.”
Required reading
(Photo: Charles LeClaire/Imagen Images)
