The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Broncos. Russell Wilson is listed as questionable, but coach Mike Tomlin has revealed that the team is getting ready for Justin Fields to potentially start.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are also making plans for Fields to start in the home opener on September 22 against the Chargers, before reevaluating Wilson’s injured calf. Wilson originally injured his calf while pushing a sled during a conditioning test before training camp. Despite missing 10 practices during his rehab, Wilson believed he was fully recovered until experiencing tightness in his calf on September 5.
Wilson managed to play six series in the preseason but his status for the season opener is now in question. The team is exercising caution with his return as they do not want to risk aggravating a soft-tissue injury for the 36-year-old quarterback.
Coach Tomlin did not provide a definitive answer on Wilson’s status as the starter once he is healthy. Fields remains listed as the backup on the team’s depth chart.
“I’m not going to soothe you with hypothetical scenarios,” Tomlin stated in an interview with Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “It is my general practice to not…so why start today? Because it’s the quarterback position or because it’s a national story? I am unmoved by some of those narratives, to be quite honest with you.”
Tomlin emphasized the importance of focusing on the available players and their preparation for the upcoming game. He stressed that the team will make decisions based on the health and performance of the players at the time.
“Our energies and attention are on those that are available and are scheduled to play. They’re deserving of that,” Tomlin said. “When those that are not are healthy, we’ll ponder it at that time.”
As the Steelers navigate through this quarterback uncertainty, the team remains focused on their upcoming matchups while keeping a close eye on the status of Russell Wilson’s calf injury.
