Russell Wilson may have to wait to make his debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But if it were up to him, he’d be suiting up against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wilson, who is listed as questionable with a calf injury, has told the Steelers he can play. However, the team doctors want to be more cautious and will make a final decision on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Steelers want to avoid a situation where Wilson isn’t at 100 per cent, comparing his calf injury to the one Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow played through a year ago.
Wilson’s injury will open the door for Justin Fields to get the start.
The Steelers have been bullish on Fields this summer. Fields’ development is one of the reasons Tomlin waited until the pre-season was over before announcing Wilson as the starter.
Wilson, 35, signed with Pittsburgh in the off-season on a one-year contract after being cut by the Denver Broncos in early March.
The nine-time Pro-Bowler threw for 3070 yards and 26 touchdowns over 15 games in 2023, leading the Broncos to a 7-8 record in games he took the field.
Fields, meanwhile, played in just 13 games with the Chicago Bears last season, passing for 2562 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 657 yards and four scores.
The 25-year-old was dealt to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick that could become a fourth-round selection based on playing time. The move allowed Chicago to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the draft.
— With files from The Associated Press.