The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos, a game filled with anticipation due to the revenge narrative surrounding new quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson was brought to the Broncos to get them back in the Super Bowl hunt. However, they managed to win just 11 games in two seasons with him as their quarterback.
Though Wilson has often been blamed for the Broncos' struggles, his 2023 season wasn't as poor as many suggest. He threw for 26 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. Nevertheless, the Broncos decided to move on, believing Wilson no longer had enough left in the tank.
Unfortunately, Wilson is not expected to play against his former team on Sunday. After missing Week 1 with a calf injury, it seems likely he will sit out again. Justin Fields is preparing to start in his place, and he's been receiving valuable guidance from Wilson. In a recent media session provided via team transcripts, Fields mentioned that Wilson has been sharing insights from his time with the Broncos to help him better prepare for the game.
"Yeah. I mean, he's been great. He’s preparing like he's playing too. So any question that I have, and of course he played for Denver last year, so just the insight on some of the guys that are there, and how they play, and kind of what their philosophy is, he's been very helpful in terms of that stuff, and he's always been helpful since the moment I've gotten here. So just the same guy."
Though Wilson isn't expected to get his on-field revenge just yet, his influence continues to shape the Steelers' game plan. It's clear the Steelers see Wilson as their best option to win, trusting him to run the offense effectively. However, they are exercising caution due to his lingering calf injury, not wanting to risk further damage.
Wilson’s injury traces back to training camp, where he reportedly hurt his calf while pushing a sled during conditioning tests. Since then, he's been nursing the injury, missing practices and participating in a limited capacity. Despite the team’s efforts to manage his recovery, Wilson has yet to appear fully healthy. This has led many to speculate that the injury might be more severe than initially reported.
While the Steelers are eager to have Wilson back on the field, they are prioritizing his long-term health, taking a conservative approach to ensure he doesn’t aggravate the injury further. For now, Wilson remains sidelined, but his leadership continues to influence how the Steelers prepare for their Week 2 showdown against the Broncos.
At 35 years old, a calf injury is a serious concern for Wilson. There were already doubts about what he could bring to Pittsburgh, and his inability to stay fully healthy has only amplified those questions.
Steelers' Justin Fields Likely To Have Another Huge Opportunity
Meanwhile, Fields is seen as the more exciting, younger option with raw potential. Despite this, there are concerns about how well Fields can operate the Steelers' offense. He delivered a respectable performance in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, and Steelers fans are hoping he can build on that and show improvement against the Broncos.
Wilson’s recent stint with Denver may give the Steelers and Fields a slight edge. Having played with the Broncos for two seasons, Wilson is intimately familiar with their organization, providing Pittsburgh with valuable insights.
It's exciting for Steelers fans to know that Wilson is offering Fields some insider knowledge to help him prepare. As the Steelers aim to go 2-0, they’ll be counting on Fields to deliver another efficient performance and secure their second win of the season if Wilson can't play.
Wilson has shown tremendous character, stepping up as a mentor and guide for Fields despite his own setbacks. It would be understandable if he felt disappointed about missing the opportunity to face the team that moved on from him, especially with the revenge narrative looming. While Wilson clearly wants his shot at redemption, his health has prevented that. Now, it seems his way of seeking revenge is by preparing Fields as best as he can.
Though Wilson remains hopeful about playing against the Broncos, it seems highly unlikely he’ll take the field. Instead, he's channeling his energy into helping Fields succeed.
