Russell Wilson has yet to earn the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting QB job
Pittsburgh Steelers fans will finally get their first look at Russell Wilson in action as he is set to start in the team’s second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.
Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Wilson’s status after the Steelers’ joint practice with Buffalo at Acrisure Stadium.
Tomlin clarified that the veteran quarterback would play “if he doesn’t have a setback” to the calf injury that has limited his participation in training camp.
Wilson, who joined the Steelers this offseason, has been slowly working his way back into full practice after sitting out early sessions due to a lingering calf issue.
The injury also kept him off the field in Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans, where the Steelers fell 20-12.
In that game, Justin Fields started under center, completing 5-of-6 passes for 67 yards, though his performance was blemished by a fumbling pay with center Nate Herbig.
"If it's close, I would go with Justin Fields because he is 10 years younger." 👀 @RealTannenbaum on how he would approach the Steelers QB competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields 🏈 pic.twitter.com/8UV2Bk9uh4
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 15, 2024
Steelers ready for “dress rehearsal” at home
Tomlin has been cautious with Wilson’s return, but the decision to start him against the Bills signals growing confidence in his recovery.
“This time round, I expect us to be much more efficient on possession-down play,” Tomlin remarked, indicating his desire to see a cleaner execution from his team.
The second preseason game is often viewed as a “dress rehearsal,” where starters typically play extended snaps to prepare for the regular season.
Tomlin mentioned that the first-teamers, including Wilson, are expected to play roughly four series against Buffalo.
This game will be crucial for Wilson, who entered training camp as the favorite to win the starting job over Fields but has yet to officially secure the role.
Fields has taken the majority of first-team reps in practice due to Wilson’s injury, creating an ongoing competition for the starting quarterback position.
Tomlin, however, emphasized that his final decision on the Week 1 starter will be based on game performance rather than practice alone.