Steelers Expect Healthy Starters to Play vs. Lions, Including Russell Wilson

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ starers are going back out there for the team’s third and final preseason game of 2024 against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Russell Wilson will start the game, and even veteran players like Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt could be included this time around. Wilson started the team’s second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills and played in five offensive series. Heyward and Watt have yet to play.

As far as how long the starters will play this time around, that’s up in the air, as Tomlin likely hopes for them to play well, and earn early exits, but he isn’t going to commit to a plan ahead of time.

“We’ll play it by ear,” he said. “A lot of our transitional things in terms of the amount of play people get will be determined by the quality of play, of individuals and of units.”

Tomlin hasn’t significantly changed his strategy about how to approach preseason playing time since the NFL made the change to go from four to three preseason games. The fourth game used to basically be a junior varsity game, giving young and inexperienced players a chance to make a name for themselves. The third game was the dress rehearsal for the players that the Steelers expect to make the 53-man roster.

Tomlin did acknowledge, though, that it’s better for the team if those starters can get in quality work and earn that early exit, so that those trying to make the team have a longer runway to make a case for themselves.

“We’ve got a desire to move on from some known regulars rather quickly to provide an opportunity for others to show what they’re capable of,” he said.

In terms of the pecking order at quarterback, Tomlin said that “nothing has changed.” Wilson will start and Justin Fields is expected to follow.

Tomlin also said that Wilson will not be limited in the amount of the playbook that Arthur Smith can call for him this week.

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