Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson missed practice Thursday because of calf tightness, according to coach Mike Tomlin, putting Wilson’s availability for the team’s Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in question.
Tomlin said the quarterback was held out of practice as a precaution. Wilson, a full participant in Wednesday’s practice, was scheduled to speak to reporters after Thursday’s practice but his media availability was canceled.
Justin Fields would likely replace Wilson if the former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos passer can’t play Sunday.
Wilson, 35, missed time in training camp with a calf injury, but returned to practice and made his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17. Tomlin publicly tabbed Wilson as the starter on Aug. 28 beating out Fields.
Fields carries experience as a starter given his years as QB1 with the Chicago Bears before being traded to Pittsburgh this offseason. Fields and Wilson, who signed with the Steelers before the Fields trade, are transitioning to a new team and offense guided by former Falcons coach Arthur Smith.
Required reading
(Photo: Justin Berl / Getty Images)
