Steelers prepare to start Justin Fields against the Broncos while Russell Wilson suffers with an injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) are preparing for a trip to Denver in Week 2 with Justin Fields as their quarterback. Wilson’s status is uncertain due to a balky calf that kept him out of a season-opening win in Atlanta last Sunday. Fields was steady but not spectacular against the Falcons, completing 17 passes.Wilson, who tweaked the calf injury last Thursday, was feeling better on Tuesday. Still, Tomlin does not anticipate the nine-time Pro Bowler being able to be a full participant in practice on Wednesday.
Tomlin said Wilson will go through a “battery of movement” on Wednesday and will be evaluated after. While Tomlin didn’t rule out Wilson returning at some point this week, he demurred when asked if Wilson will start if he’s cleared to play.
“That’s a big if, I’m not into the hypotheticals,” Tomlin said. “Right now he’s not healthy, so my time and attention is focused on Justin.”
The 35-year-old Wilson initially strained the calf — he has not disclosed which one — when the Steelers reported to training camp at Saint Vincent College. The injury limited him during most of camp, giving Fields plenty of practice time with the starters.
Still, Tomlin anointed Wilson the starter going into the opener. That all changed when Wilson aggravated the injury on Thursday while doing individual drills.
Tomlin pointed to a third-and-5 deep in Atlanta territory with just over two minutes to go as proof of that composure. The Steelers called a designed quarterback run and Fields delivered a 7-yard gain that helped Pittsburgh drain the clock and set up the final of Boswell’s club-record-tying six field goals.
Watching Fields — acquired in a trade with Chicago in March just days after the Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year deal — take care of the ball and not get too rattled on the road helped gain a sense of comfort that Fields is up to leading a team that overhauled its offense in the offseason in hopes of competing in the quarterback-heavy AFC.
“I just know a heck of a lot more about him because of that experience (in Atlanta) and I’m sure he knows more about himself and this environment and us,” Tomlin said.
Wilson’s injury threatens one of the juicier early season storylines. The Broncos cut him in March, eating nearly $40 million in the process after he clashed with Denver head coach Sean Payton.
Now there appears to be a good chance Wilson will be watching Fields to go work. Tomlin brushing aside the notion that Wilson’s knowledge of Denver’s offense gives the Steelers any sort of advantage.
“Sometimes that’s overblown,” Tomlin said. “If he’s on the sideline, he’s not making plays. … We’re not resistant to help but we’re not going to put it on a pedestal and make it appear more than it is.”
Pittsburgh hopes that veteran guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and rookie wide out Roman Wilson (ankle) can practice this week. The team also signed punter Corliss Waitman to replace free agent signee Cameron Johnston, who was placed on injured reserve with a serious right knee injury sustained in the fourth quarter against Atlanta after being rolled into.
The Steelers also re-signed safety Terrell Edmunds to the active roster on Tuesday. Edmunds, a 2018 first-round choice by Pittsburgh who played five seasons with the Steelers, had been on Jacksonville’s practice squad.
