Report: Russell Wilson in Line to Start vs. Jets
The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to give quarterback Russell Wilson first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to make his season debut and start Sunday night against the New York Jets, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Wilson, who re-injured his calf at the Thursday practice prior to the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, was inactive for the first five games. He was the No. 2 quarterback against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and is now deemed healthy.
Fields struggled as a passer in the last two games, but he was impressive with his legs, recording two touchdown runs in Sunday’s win over the Las Vegas. He’s also thrown just one interception this season, so he’s not turning the ball over. Fields leads all quarterbacks with five rushing touchdowns and is fourth among QBs with 231 rushing yards. His one interception in six games ranks second-fewest in the NFL among QBs with at least 1,000 passing yards.
Fields has led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, but it appears his performances have not been enough to move the needle. Tomlin repeatedly stated during the offseason that Russell Wilson was in pole position to be the starter. And that was the plan up until he re-injured his calf.
It will be interesting to see how Wilson does with the rust factor. He did not play in the first six games and was out for most of training camp and received just a handful of reps in the preseason. Wilson’s mobility behind an injury-riddled offense line will also be something to watch for. Fields’ mobility has been a huge asset to the offense.
“I think the biggest thing, just to be honest with you guys, is being able to run well,” Wilson said last week.
“I was able to do a lot more this week. I was excited to get back out there and be a full participant. All the reps and everything else. That was great. It just got better from the first day to today.”
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