Mike Tomlin Leaves Door Open for Russell Wilson Return

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is leaving the light on for quarterback Russell Wilson to play on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. He mentioned that Wilson (calf) isn’t expected to be a full participant in practice on Wednesday, so it appears Justin Fields will make a fourth consecutive start, however. That’s what the Steelers are preparing for.

Tomlin reiterated that there’s no need to project a future starting quarterback at this time.

“Because there’s no need. I explained to you the variables of the week. That has not changed,” Tomlin said. “Sometimes in this business there’s a myriad of complex decisions to be made. I make them when it’s appropriate. When we have a decision to make, I’ll make it and I’ll be transparent.

“I’ve learned to make ’em when it’s appropriate and it’s not necessary as we sit here right now, when Russ gets to an appropriate point of health and we have a decision to make, I’ll make it and I’ll announce it and I’ll be really transparent about it, but until then, I don’t care how many ways you guys ask me, I got no intentions of making the decision that’s unnecessary at this juncture.”

Tomlin said Russell Wilson had a good workout on Tuesday and that if his participation picks up, “maybe” it’ll lead to something else.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson at practice on Sept. 12, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Tomlin gave Fields a lot of credit for his stellar play through three games. Fields has won three consecutive games for the first time in his career.

“I like his steady demeanor,” Tomlin said. “I like that in a leader. He doesn’t ride the emotional roller coaster.”

Like Tomlin, Wilson isn’t getting caught up in the hypotheticals of who will be the starter. As of now, Wilson isn’t healthy, so Fields is QB1.

“I’m just focused on me every day and me being fully healthy,” Wilson said last week when asked if the missed time could result in him losing his starting job. “I have full confidence in our football team, and that’s what really matters to me.”

Wilson, who re-injured his calf on Sept. 5, initially suffered the injury during the team’s conditioning test at training camp, while pushing a sled.

“I’m definitely gaining ground,” Russell Wilson said. “I feel good. I was able to do a lot more work today, yesterday. I’m getting better every day.”

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.