It looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers will be opening the season without starting quarterback Russell Wilson under center. He has been dealing with a calf issue that just won’t go away as the opener approaches.
According to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Wilson isn’t expected to play in the Steelers season opener. Backup Justin Fields would take over as the starter if this ends up being the case.
“Russell Wilson’s calf issues have lingered all summer and, now, into the start of the regular season. The veteran quarterback, who won the starting job in Pittsburgh, is expected to miss the season opener in Atlanta; Justin Fields would step in. That is not a significant issue for the Steelers offense — some in the building could have gone either way with the QB competition. Coach Mike Tomlin decided to let the veteran get the first crack.”
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 17: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills in the first quarter during the preseason game at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Wilson isn’t expected to play for the Steelers in the season opener.
Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
The Steelers are looking to avoid Wilson taking the field and having his calf injury linger throughout the season. They saw what happened to rival Joe Burrow last year and are looking to avoid it happening to their veteran signal-caller.
Fields will be thrust into the starting role, a spot he is very familiar with from his time with the Chicago Bears. This could be his chance to grab the starting spot and not look back if he can put together a strong showing against the Atlanta Falcons.
The former first-round draft pick of Chicago was expected to be the face of the franchise before Caleb Williams was drafted. Fields was traded to the Steelers and now has a chance to earn a major spot with the historic franchise.
His ability to be a dual-threat quarterback on the field gives Pittsburgh something that they haven’t had in some time. Fields will be tested by an improved Falcons defense but does have former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith working as his new offensive coordinator.
Assuming that Wilson can’t go, which seems likely at this point, he will be on the sidelines helping Fields in whatever way he can.
“If I can go, I’m going to go and try to do everything I can to help us win,” Wilson said. “If not, I’m going to do everything I can to help us win in that way, too.”
Fields will have the weight of the world put on him this weekend but he has shown the ability to look past it all. Helping this team start out the year with a win would go a long way.
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