Russell Wilson Questionable, Unlikely to Start vs. Broncos

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed after Friday’s practice that quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos. Tomlin added that if Wilson’s chances of playing are questionable, his chances of starting are less so.

“Regarding Russell’s availability, I’m going to list him as questionable,” Tomlin said. “Obviously, if his availability is questionable, then starting is less so. We’ve been focused on getting Justin ready to play and we’ll continue in that mindset as we push forward toward game time.”

Judging by Tomlin’s statement, it sure seems like Wilson will miss out on his revenge game and Justin Fields will start against Denver.

Wilson said on Thursday that he’s not ready to play just yet.

“The first part is the will, I’ve got the will,” he said. “The second part is you’ve got to be able to physically, do pretty much everything. I’m getting there. I also have to listen to the doctors and hear what they have to say and all that. At the end of the day, it’s a team effort trying to figure out what’s the best thing. I’m doing everything I can to go, that’s for sure.”

Wilson did some footwork drills before practice on Thursday, more than he has in previous practice sessions since pulling himself out of practice a week ago.

In addition to Wilson not being able to check every box physically, there’s also mitigating the risk of injuring his calf once again. Wilson first suffered the injury way back in late July. It seemed like it was well behind him after playing in two preseason games, before it re-occurred last week. Even if he feels ready to play, the team might want him to take it easy.

“With this being so early in the season, I also want to be strategic,” Wilson said. “Coach [Tomlin] and I have talked a lot about it. We believe in our football team. We believe in who we are and all the things we can do. So, it’s trying not to rush it. (The season) is a long, long period of time.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson at practice on Sept. 6, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Fields completed 17 of 23 passes (73.9%) for 156 yards, no touchdowns, no interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 91.9 in Sunday’s 18-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He also rushed for 57 yards on 14 attempts (4.1 average).

The Steelers plan to have Fields start not only in Sunday’s game against the  Broncos but in the home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, too, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. If Fields lights it up and the Steelers start 3-0, there could be a potential quarterback controversy.

Fields is not getting caught up in the outside noise, however. He’s just focused on winning.

“I have a job and that’s to lead us to a win each and every week,” Fields said on Thursday. “We can have this debate on ‘who’s the starter, who’s not the starter.’ My main job is to go in there and go win the game. As long as I do that, I feel good.”

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.