Steelers’ Russell Wilson Limited in Practice Because of Calf Tightness

PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was limited in Thursday’s practice after experiencing tightness in the calf he had injured earlier during training camp.

Coach Mike Tomlin did not provide a specific timeline on when Wilson, 35, communicated the calf tightness to the coaching staff but emphasized that the quarterback would undergo further evaluation out of an abundance of caution.

“His calf got tight, so we wanted to exercise some precaution,” Tomlin explained. “We’ll see what tomorrow looks like and kind of go from there.”

Originally, Wilson was slated to address the media on Thursday afternoon, but he opted to postpone his availability until Friday following the aggravation of his calf injury.

Wilson’s calf issue dates back to the start of training camp when he suffered the injury while pushing a sled during the team’s conditioning test. Afterward, he refrained from throwing a pass in team drills for ten practices. By the end of camp, he had gradually returned to full participation, although he missed the first preseason game and saw limited action in the last two, playing just six series overall. Following a strong five-series performance in the second preseason game, Wilson expressed optimism, stating he felt “great” and “strong,” and that the calf was not impacting his play.

Regarding the long-term implications of Wilson’s newly reported calf tightness, Tomlin was dismissive, asserting, “none,” and he minimized the impact of Wilson’s injury on the team’s game-planning as they prepare for their season opener against the Falcons on Sunday.

“It really doesn’t [affect game-planning] at all, to be honest with you,” Tomlin added.

If Wilson is unable to play, Justin Fields, the quarterback he outperformed to earn the starting position, would take his place. Tomlin expressed confidence in Fields, who was formerly a first-round pick for the Bears.

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

Wilson’s prior training camp injury had provided Fields with additional opportunities to work with the first-team offense, which could prove advantageous should he need to replace Wilson this weekend.

“I don’t know the specifics of it or what’s going on, but obviously Russ is a great competitor,” wide receiver Van Jefferson remarked. “He wants to be out there. If Justin has to step in, he’s more than prepared to do that.”

“But at the end of the day, we’re just going to go out there and play,” Jefferson continued. “Whoever gets out there, the job still has to get done. So, both quarterbacks are capable of doing that on Sunday, and we’re just going to roll with whoever’s out there.”