Still No Russell Wilson, Misses Fourth Straight Practice with Calf Strain

UNITY TWP., Pa. —  Still no Russell Wilson. For the fourth consecutive practice, the 35-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback was sidelined due to a calf strain. Wilson said the calf injury occurred during the team’s run test on Wednesday, when he was pushing a sled.

Russell Wilson, who was a limited participant on Saturday, did a little bit more at Sunday’s practice but is still not participating in team periods. He went through a mock game scenario and did some throwing during individual drills. Wilson is not doing sprints with the team yet, but he did some agility drills.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects Wilson to be a full participant soon. 

“Russ worked partially today. I expect him to get going a little bit as we come off (Monday’s) off day,” Tomlin said after practice.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that Wilson will get another evaluation on his calf on Monday.

Wilson’s injury doesn’t appear to be serious. The Steelers are just playing it safe.

Russell Wilson said that if it were up to him, he’d have been practicing since Day 1. He doesn’t expect to miss much more time with the calf injury and said that Mike Tomlin and the trainers are just being cautious.

“We’re not trying to rush it,” Wilson said. “I say we got 20-21 games to play. Someone said we gotta have you for 17. I’m thinking 21, possibly 20, hopefully. First place. That’s just got to be the mentality you have.”

With Wilson sidelined, the Steelers have got an extended look at Justin Fields receiving first-team reps.

“Yeah, he’s done a really good job,” Wilson said of Fields on Friday. “Every play he’s going against a really great defense. Every day he’s making some really great plays. Plays that he responds back to, and this and that. That’s a part of practice. He’s a really good competitor, he processes well. He’s a tremendous young talent, for sure.”

Steelers tight end Rodney Williams suffered an AC joint sprain at Saturday’s practice after diving for a catch attempt, and did not return. Mike Tomlin said after practice that Williams will be out multiple days. Williams did not practice on Sunday. He was not in a sling, which is an encouraging sign.

Running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson had the wrap off his hamstring and is riding a bike. Patterson suffered a hamstring injury while training, and was placed on the active/non-football injury list prior to the start of training camp.

Veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo was back after receiving the day off on Saturday. 

STEELERS INJURY REPORT

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Unity Twp.