As the Steelers started practice ahead of the season opener, all indications were Russell Wilson would start. Mike Tomlin named him the starter last week, meaning Justin Fields would be his primary backup.
But a lingering calf injury flared up this week and limited Wilson in practice on both Thursday and Friday. That gave Fields more reps with the ones, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicated the former Ohio State star could get the nod as a result.
Wilson initially suffered a calf issue in training camp, and that gave Fields some looks with the starters. However, Tomlin announced Wilson would get the first reps at quarterback in the opener – a plan that now appears to be in jeopardy.
“The assumption was that Russell Wilson would just roll through this week being the starter, as he basically has been since Mike Tomlin said in March that hew as in ‘pole position,’ take his starting job and just roll on from there,” Rapoport said Friday night. “Then, Russell Wilson reported calf tightness yesterday and the team pulled all the way back, barely did anything today. Was off to the side when reporters were at practice. Meanwhile, Justin Fields took all of the first team reps. Now, Russell Wilson is officially listed as questionable, but my understanding is the team’s going to put him through a little workout, test him tomorrow morning and see.
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“Just reading the tea leaves and taking the stock of the situation – including the fact that Russell Wilson made clear that he wants to be healthy for every game he possibly can this season – it does not make a lot of sense that Russell Wilson will be out there.”
Justin Fields likely to start ‘absent some sort of magic potion’ for Russell Wilson
Fields saw the most action in the Steelers’ three preseason games, completing 19 of 27 passes for 199 yards. Wilson, meanwhile, went 10 of 12 passing for 83 yards in two appearances after missing the opener due to his calf injury.
Those game reps were important, and it could lead Fields to jump in as the starter Sunday afternoon. While Rapoport said nothing is final, things are trending that way.
“Justin Fields got plenty of reps in training camp,” Rapoport said. “He certainly is ready and is 100% healthy. Certainly seems to lead us in the direction of Justin Fields being the starting quarterback for the Steelers [Sunday].
“No firm and final decision, but that seems to be where it is heading absent some sort of magic potion for Russell Wilson that leads him to clear this workout tomorrow morning.”
