Russell Wilson Traveling with Steelers to Atlanta, Will Be Game-Time Decision

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is making the trip to Atlanta with the team, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Wilson is listed as questionable for Sunday’s season opener against the Falcons. 

Wilson traveling with the team was to be expected, as the Steelers can take it down to a game-time decision. Even if the Steelers already know Wilson will be out, which could be the case, Mike Tomlin will keep the Falcons guessing who will be the starter.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Wilson went through a workout on Saturday prior to the team flight to see where his calf is at.

Wilson aggravated the injury in practice on Thursday, once again feeling tightness in his right calf. He left practice, and Justin Fields took over at quarterback. Wilson initially suffered the calf injury on July 24 when pushing a sled during the team’s conditioning test.

“I didn’t really know what happened, to be honest, at first,” Fields said. “But we were just doing indy and he just said he felt some tightness.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson in a game against the Detroit Lions on Aug. 24, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Wilson is doing everything in his power to be on the field on Sunday.

“I just felt a little tight and I wanted to be smart about it. Obviously, we play a game on Sunday and I’m hoping I get to be in. … I’m trying to get my body ready to go and rock and roll. We’re doing everything we can.”

Wilson said that the injury hasn’t been bothering him of late. He played in the team’s final two preseason games without any obvious limitations. To him, Thursday’s discomfort came out of nowhere.

“You hate these nagging things,” he said. “I’ve been feeling great the last few weeks. I’ve been feeling really good. Just kind of felt a little funny (Thursday).”

Wilson said he didn’t do much at practice on Friday, but didn’t rule out the idea of him playing, despite a less-than-full practice slate.

“There’s been times where I maybe have been limited in some practices in the past and still played on Sunday,” he said. “I’m not worried about that. … I’ve just gotta be smart. Obviously, we’re trying to play 20 or 21 games. I’m trying to play in all of them.”

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.