Is Russell Wilson Doubtful vs. Falcons? Mike Tomlin Confirms Steelers QB’s Injury Status After Limited Practice

Mr. Clutch clutching his calf? The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for their 2024 season opener against the Falcons this Sunday, but their starting QB, Russell Wilson, might be in doubt. With all the QB1 drama between Russ and Justin Fields brewing in Steel City during the preseason, this twist can’t be the end of it, right? Head coach Mike Tomlin has provided a crucial update.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Steelers listed Wilson as a limited participant in practice due to calf tightness. Coach Tomlin confirmed on Thursday that Friday’s checkup will shed light on the severity of the injury. “Russell Wilson was a limited participant today due to a tight calf. We want to exercise some precaution and will see what tomorrow looks like.”

Russell Wilson missed a significant chunk of first-team snaps during training camp, with Justin Fields stepping in for most of the reps. Naturally, this stirred up speculation about the 25-year-old possibly taking over as QB1.  But Coach Mike Tomlin quickly squashed those rumors on August 28th, firmly stating Russ was still his top signal-caller. “I met with both quarterbacks here just a few minutes ago after practice, and I informed them that Russ is QB1 going into Week 1.” 

Yet, those whispers of discomfort around Wilson never fully disappeared, and now the issue seems to be rearing its head again. Still, Tomlin isn’t hitting the panic button. When asked if there was any long-term concern about Wilson’s calf, his answer was simple: “None.” But, if he’s unavailable would it impact the game plan for Sunday? One would assume, certainly so. But Tomlin did not leave room for assumptions with his reply: “It really doesn’t at all, to be honest.”

But that’s just one side of it. The receiver, not knowing about his play caller’s ‘limited’ session, is another. Yet, the sentiment of being ready for Sunday was the same as that of the coach’s. Talk about a team being on the same page.

Van Jefferson says Justin Fields is ‘prepared’ if Russell Wilson can’t play!

A video is being circulated on social media where a reporter is asking Van Jefferson about Russell Wilson’s limited practice. And the wideout was clueless. “I don’t know the specifics of it. I don’t know what’s going on,” this was his response.

Mark Kaboly, the Steelers insider reporter, broke it first and he was pretty blunt with the reporting: “Van Jefferson had no idea Russell Wilson was limited today. Take that for what it is worth.” No one knows the worth of it just yet. But one thing’s for sure. This is not something out of Russell’s playbook. Although Jefferson might not have the full scoop, he did highlight Russell Wilson’s competitive spirit: “Russell’s a competitor.” And that’s why Tomlin is sticking with him.

Still, this situation opens a window of opportunity for Justin Fields. “You know, if Justin has to step out there, then he’s more than prepared to do that,” Jefferson said without even missing a beat. And he’s not wrong. Fields saw 56 preseason snaps compared to Wilson’s 25. Even Coach Tomlin expressed confidence in Fields’ readiness on Thursday, stating, “I’m extremely comfortable if that is the case.”

But when it comes down to it, a QB will suit up, regardless. Interestingly, much of Steelers Nation wasn’t sold on Russell Wilson as QB1, anyway. So, could this be the moment for their young talent to step in? That’s only if Fields gets on the gridiron and proves he’s the ‘IT’ factor. And that’s still a big if.