The Pittsburgh Steelers revamped their quarterback room this offseason, bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson was officially named the starter, but has been managing a sore calf since the start of training camp. On Thursday, he was listed as a limited participant in practice.
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Steelers Quarterback Russell Wilson gets some work in during training camp 2024.
Wilson's calf issue resurfaced, raising some concerns. While it seems unlikely he'll miss Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed on NFL Live Thursday that there’s growing worry Wilson may not be able to play in the opener.
"After nursing a calf injury during training camp, Russell Wilson felt tightness in his calf today. That's not encouraging. The Steelers are unsure whether he'll be able to play on Sunday. We'll probably have a better idea tomorrow. If he can't go, then Justin Fields would wind up starting against Atlanta. We'll see how Wilson is feeling on Friday."
Schefter’s report suggests the Steelers are genuinely worried about Wilson's availability. If Wilson can't play, Fields would step in as the Week 1 starter. While that would be an unexpected turn of events, Steeler Nation would be excited to see Fields in action so early in the season. However, it would a bummer to not have Wilson starting Week 1.
Wilson and Fields were reportedly competing for the starting job this offseason, though many insiders didn’t see it that way. Most believed it was Wilson’s job to lose—unless injury intervened. Now, with Wilson potentially sidelined due to a lingering calf injury, that scenario may be unfolding.
The Steelers have been extra cautious with Wilson, giving Fields plenty of reps with the first team in his absence. If called upon, Fields should be ready to perform at an above-average level and bring excitement with his playmaking ability.
Steelers' Justin Fields Has A Real Chance To Start Week 1
It’s far from an ideal situation for the Steelers. At 35, Wilson's lingering calf injury is a legitimate concern. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, they have Fields, who’s eager to prove he's a capable starting quarterback in the league. It now appears that Fields has a real chance to start Week 1. On Friday, the Steelers will have a better idea if Wilson can play or not.
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Steelers' Justin Fields running with the football during camp while OC Arthur Smith gets hype.
Whether it’s Wilson or Fields under center, the Steelers need a strong start to the 2024 season with a road win in Atlanta. The 2024 schedule for Pittsburgh is brutal and it doesn't get any easier. The Steelers are viewed as three point underdogs against the Falcons. Getting a road win to start the season would be tremendous.
Steelers fans are anxiously awaiting further updates on Wilson’s status leading up to Sunday’s game. While it still seems unlikely, the latest reports suggest Wilson's calf injury could prevent him from starting in Week 1.
