Could Justin Fields Start This Weekend? Steelers’ Russell Wilson Dealing With Calf Strain

Justin Fields could start for the Steelers on Sunday if Russell Wilson is too injured to play in Atlanta. 

Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently stated that Russell Wilson would be their starting quarterback in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. They reaffirmed this when they signed him after the Denver Broncos waived him, traded for Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, and even after the NFL Draft, minicamp, and training camp.

However, with Week 1 around the corner, Wilson’s status is uncertain due to an apparent calf injury. Despite not being listed on Wednesday’s injury report, he was limited in Thursday’s practice. If Wilson can’t suit up against the Atlanta Falcons, Justin Fields is poised to step in as the starter.

NFL Insider Clarifies Wilson’s Injury

NFL insider Dan Graziano added clarity to the situation on ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike morning radio show, noting that Wilson hadn’t shown any prior signs of injury before Thursday’s practice. More tests are scheduled to assess the severity of the calf injury, which will play a key role in determining his availability for Sunday’s game.

“He left practice yesterday with a calf injury, so they’re gonna do more tests,” Graziano said. “They did tests yesterday, they’ll do more tests today, and we’ll see. There is a chance he doesn’t play — I mean, it was the same calf that knocked him out for the first couple weeks of training camp. He did not have it before practice. He did a walkthrough with the first team and individual drills, and then when it was time to do the team drills yesterday, Justin Fields was playing with the ones, and Russell was not on the field.”

.@DanGrazianoESPN reports that Russell Wilson could potentially miss Week 1 with a calf injury. Does this open the door for Justin Fields?

"Listen, if Russell doesn't play, this is the best opportunity Justin Fields is ever going to have in his career." —.@danorlovsky7 pic.twitter.com/UePst0CAd2

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) September 6, 2024

Wilson was initially scheduled to speak with the media Thursday afternoon but postponed his availability to Friday following a calf aggravation. Wilson initially injured his calf while pushing a sled during the team’s conditioning test at the start of training camp.

The injury sidelined him for ten practices, during which he did not throw a pass in team periods. While Wilson gradually returned to full participation by the end of camp, he missed the first preseason game and played only six series across the last two.

After five series in the second preseason game, Wilson stated he “felt great” and “strong,” insisting his calf injury wasn’t a factor. When asked about the long-term implications of Wilson’s renewed calf tightness on Thursday, head coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the issue, responding, “None,” and indicated that the injury would not affect the team’s game plan for Sunday’s season opener against the Falcons.

Mike Tomlin is  Comfortable With Fields Under Center

If Russell Wilson cannot play, Justin Fields, whom Wilson edged out for the starting job, will step in as the starter. Head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed confidence in Fields, the 2021 first-round pick from the Bears, highlighting the team’s trust in his abilities to lead the offense in Wilson’s absence.

Fields’ athleticism and experience give the Steelers a capable option under center if Wilson is sidelined for the Week 1 matchup against the Falcons.

“I’m extremely comfortable if that is the case, certainly,” Tomlin said.